Casablanca, Morocco

Answer 1

It’s no surprise that the very name Casablanca evokes images of romance. The city shares its title with one of the most unforgettably romantic films ever to come out of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Newlywed honeymooners and long-time partners alike have journeyed to Morocco, inspired by the chemistry that Bogie and Bergman found in Casablanca.

The fact that Casablanca is a Spanish name offers the first clue to the atmosphere that awaits visitors to this port city on North Africa’s Atlantic coast. Here in Casablanca, the cultures of Europe and Africa meet and merge in a sultry tropical setting. The city was originally founded long ago as a Berber fishing town, but much of Casablanca’s more recent development was undertaken by the Spanish and especially the French, who controlled Morocco for a time. The architectural and cultural echoes of their presence are still very evident. Arabic is the most common language among natives, with French as a close second. Spanish and even English are also spoken here with some frequency, but they’re far from universal.

Today Casa, as it’s often called by its residents, is a fully modern city. It’s a major financial and business center, second only to Johannesburg on the African continent. It’s Morocco’s most important port and vital to shipping in North Africa. For the most part, it’s not nearly as conservative as some of Morrocco’s other cities; Casablanca’s beach front districts are rife with nightclubs, high rise hotels and local folks sporting brand-name designer clothes.

Arts and Entertainment

The beautiful resorts on the Atlantic Ocean are one of the biggest draws here. This is where the busiest Casablancan nightlife is to be found. For shopping, head to the bazaars and souk stalls near the medina, the walled central complex of ancient Anfa. Because Casablanca grew mostly as a French colony, such classic examples of Arab culture are better represented by the rich imperial histories of other cities like Fes or Marrakesh. Casablanca does contain the Mosque of Hassan II, which is probably the most recognizable building in the city. This gigantic and modern house of worship capable of holding 80,000 people was designed by a French architect and completed in 1993. Its glass floor sections offer a stunning view of the sea beneath.

Food and Drink

Most Moroccans are Muslim, so don’t expect to find the locals downing beer as much you might in Bavaria or Dublin. Casablanca is still very secular in comparison to certain other Muslim nations, however, so the nightlife is quite acceptable. With both the Atlantic and the Med so close to Casablanca, seafood is a great choice for your daily sustenance. Culinary options are very good, with fine examples of Mediterranean, Spanish, Moorish and French cuisines on display, but remember that this is another area where Spanish customs still hold. It’s common for Casablanca’s eateries to stay closed for much of the day, opening as late as seven o’clock p.m. Residents are often accustomed to dining even later than that, so it’s always a good idea to check up on business hours and reservations before making any concrete dinner plans.

Answer 2

Casablanca ranks as the largest city in Morocco, with over five million inhabitants. Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, it is also home to the largest port in North Africa. Primarily known as a working city, there is still much for visitors to see and do there.

Architecture dating from Morocco’s French colonial period is prominent in the area referred to as Ville Nouvelle, or New Town. The style there has been described as a combination of Hispano-Mauresque and Art Deco influences. Casablanca is also home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. The mosque overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and features a minaret that is said to be the world’s tallest at 210 meters.

A more modern face of Morocco is presented by the Casablanca Twin Center, a complex of two 28-story skyscrapers. The center is located at the heart of Casablanca’s Maarif district, and features numerous shops, offices and a 5 star hotel.