Casablanca

Casablanca is home to one of the largest mosques in the world - the Hussan II Mosque. It was built by, none other than, King Hassan II.

The top of the minaret is 60 stories high. Perched on the top is a laser light, which points to Mecca.

It is huge.

It is opulent.

It is overwhelming.

Started in 1986, it was completed 7 years later, in 1993.

Workers toiled 24 hour days to complete it as quickly as possible. At the height of construction, 1400 men worked during the day and another 1100 during the night.

In total, there were 10,000 artists and craftsmen that worked on the building. 





It is built on a rocky outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean on reclaimed land - partly on land and partly over water.

There is a glass floor in the entry hall that looks down at the seabed.

It is "ginormous" and can accommodate 25,000 worshipers inside, and another 80,000 outside.

Amongst other mind blogging aspects, there is a retractable roof.

No, athletic games are not permitted! So do not even think about it.

 All the building materials (consisting of marble, granite, plaster and wood) are from Morocco.

The only exceptions are Italian granite columns and glass chandeliers.

The marble floors are heated.

It is absolutely amazing looking at the workmanship and intricate details.








But as they say, "they don't build them like they used to".

Restoration started in 2005, just 12 years after the completion, and are still continuing 10 years later.

I have to say, not only the engineer in John was fascinated, but, I was also pretty impressed.

Having said that though, neither one of us are moving to Casablanca any time soon.