Visiting the Hassan II Mosque: tours, dress code and tips

The Hassan II Mosque is the reason many people come to Casablanca, and it deserves the attention. It is also one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter, which makes the tour a rare experience. Here is how it works.

How the tours work

Visits inside are by guided tour only, and last about an hour. Tours run at set times in several languages, and the schedule changes with the season and with prayer times. There are fewer tours on Fridays, and they can be cancelled at short notice for religious events or official visits. You can buy tickets on the day at the mosque, or book online in advance.

What you will see

• The prayer hall: vast and quiet, with marble columns, carved cedar and huge chandeliers.
• The moving roof: part of the roof can slide open to let in the sky.
• The ablutions hall: dozens of lotus-shaped marble fountains in the basement.
• The hammam: a beautifully tiled bathhouse beneath the mosque.

What to wear

Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes that are easy to take off, as you will remove them and carry them in a bag. Socks are a good idea, as marble floors can be cold.

When to go

The first tours of the day tend to be quieter than those around midday, when cruise ship and coach groups arrive. Come back at dusk for photographs, when the esplanade fills with families and the stone turns gold.

Getting there

The mosque is about a 15-minute walk from the Old Medina along the seafront, or a short ride by petit taxi from the centre. The nearest tram stops are a walk away, so a taxi is usually easiest.

Tips

• Check the current tour times before you go, either on the mosque’s official website or at your hotel.
• Bring cash or a card for your ticket.
• The esplanade is free to walk around at any time, except during certain events.
• See our page on the Hassan II Mosque for more background.