The Grand Mosque of Hassan II is one of Morocco's top Moroccan landmarks, a true gem of a city. Located in Casablanca on the Atlantic coast, it is the largest mosque in Morocco and the tallest religious structure in the world. The total height of the mosque's minaret is about 200 metres, which is 40 metres taller than St Peter's Cathedral and 30 metres taller than the famous pyramid of Cheops. The huge construction can accommodate up to 25 thousand people. The territory occupied by the mosque is more than 9 hectares. Half of the area of the Muslim mosque is located directly above the ocean.
Construction of the mosque began during the reign of King Hassan II in July 1986 and ended in August 1993. The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinsot, who was not a Muslim. Six thousand Moroccan craftsmen worked on the construction of this masterpiece for 7 years. The materials used for the construction of the Great Mosque (wood, granite, marble, plaster, etc.) were brought from different regions of the country. And only white granite for the columns, as well as glass chandeliers were imported from Italy.
The building of the mosque is so beautiful and rich that in its appearance it resembles a real palace. Inside the mosque perfectly combined spirituality and modern technology. The prayer hall is decorated with 78 columns of pink granite, beautiful floors covered with slabs of green onyx and golden marble. In winter season the floor is heated. The entire mosque is illuminated by a huge 50-ton glass chandelier from Italy.
A laser spotlight installed at the top of the minaret creates a green light line 30 kilometres long, pointing towards the Mosque in Mecca. The structure has a sliding roof.
The Grand Mosque of Hassan II is open to tourists.
