Famous in part due to the Hollywood blockbuster that is it's namesake, Casablanca in a city unlike any other in Morocco. Originally established by the Berbers in around 10 BC, and later claimed by the Romans, Portuguese and then the Spanish, Casablanca was all but abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 1755. It was re-built by the French in the early 1900s and is now home to almost 3.4 million people and is the largest city in Morocco. With streets, large public squares, ornate buildings and French patisseries to remind you of it's French colonial heritage, this town has a more European feel than others in Morocco, but don't let this mislead you, it is still as Moroccan as an other and it's Medina is just as vibrant as those in Marrakech and Fes.

 

While much of the city and it's architecture will remind of it's French heritage, the old Medina is a glimpse of what the place was like before that. Surrounded by the protective fortress built by the Portuguese, the narrow alleys of the Medina contain market stalls with food, household products and locals going about their business much as they did several hundred years ago. 

 

While you are here, make sure you visit the Hassan II Mosque. This is a brilliantly ornate example of Moorish architecture and has the tallest minaret in the world. Set on the edge of the Atlantic ocean and with a glass floor above the water, this mosque offers views unlike any other. There are a number of other fine buildings here that are worthy of attention including the Scala, what remains of the Portuguese fortress built in the 1700s and with spectacular views over the ocean from the ramparts; and the Casablanca Cathedral, built in the 1930s is a beautiful example of neo-gothic architecture. Not least of course, Rick's Café, inspired by the 1940's Romance movie and complete with piano, music from the movie and all the related paraphernalia - worth a visit for any movie buff.