Grande Mosque Hassan II Casablanca Morocco

Grande Mosque Hassan II Casablanca Morocco

The Grande Mosquée Hassan The Second dominates the skyline of the Moroccan city of Casablanca. After Mecca, it is undoubtedly the most extraordinary mosque complex in the Arabic-Islamic world.

More than 12 million people made a financial contribution to the construction of the gigantic mosque, the 8th wonder of the world!

Built between 1987 and 1993, this massive sacred building complex is Moroccos most visited and admired religious attraction. For the mosques inauguration ceremony in August 1993, the guest list not only included Muslims but also Jewish and Christian dignitaries, thus making a statement to the world that this spectacular monument symbolized a tolerant Islam.

The mosques white-green minaret extends 200 metres into the sky and proudly sets off the citys skyline with a unique landmark and during the night a 30-kilometre laser beam points in the direction of Mecca.

It is little wonder that the Grande Mosque is a revered holy place and the new spiritual centre of the Moroccan Kingdom.

Rabat Morocco

Rabat Morocco

GTR-DVD-1037 - Rabat was once the centre of power of the Almohades and today it is the capital of Morocco and the government headquarters of King Mohammed The Sixth.The majority of its buildings are linked to the countrys historic past and its former sovereigns including the Mausoleum of Mohammed The Fifth.Opposite the Mausoleum is one of the citys best-known landmarks, the Tour Hassan that rises 44 metres into the sky.

In the picturesque quarter of the Kasbah Des Ordains with its whitewashed houses and sky-blue doors and window frames is the citys oldest mosque.

When Marrakech became the countrys capital city, Rabat gradually fell into decline until when, in 1609, Andalusian Muslims and Jews settled here.An increasing number of people inhabited the Kasbah.

The administrative area and likewise named parade ground of Méchouar in the south west of the town is part of the Cité Royale, a town within a town.

Beyond the citys defensive walls, the ancient ruins of Chellah are a reminder of both Pre-Christian and Pre-Islamic times.During the 3rd century B.C.the Carthaginians built their first trading establishment here that was later extended and became the famous Roman harbour of Sala.

Due to its rich history, architecture and unique ambience, each year this royal city at the mouth of the Bou Regreg enchants thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Vista Point CASABLANCA Morocco

Vista Point CASABLANCA Morocco

Casablanca, a city of many faces, Oriental yet also modern. From a former Berber settlement to today's commercial metropolis. Around eighty per cent of Moroccan industry is concentrated in Casablanca, the country's financial, technological and commercial centre and also Africa's largest seaport.

Jutting into the sea is the Hassan The Second Mosque. 'It was He who created Heaven and Earth in six days!' This paragraph from the Koran inspired Hassan The Second to build his momentous mosque that extends for nine hectares, a superlative construction that could comfortably accommodate the entire Petersdom in Rome.

Casablanca is a large city surrounded by many ancient villages where life has changed little since ancient times.

The Place Mohammed The Fifth is the centre of Casablanca and is located between the old Medina and the new town with its large residential districts. Several administrative buildings, mosques and Art Deco buildings are situated in the vicinity of the Place Mohammed and there's also a pedestrian-only shopping mall. The head offices of numerous banks, insurance and commercial companies are located within the modern and flamboyant city centre with its imposing skyscrapers.

The souks contain a labyrinth of alleys and each usually has its own speciality. The souks are the perfect place for those who wish to experience typical Morocco as the aromas and sounds of their narrow alleys are far more descriptive than any travel guide.

Casablanca captivates all those who experience it. This former coastal city of seafarers and pirates is today both lively and contemporary with all the atmosphere and flair of a bygone time.

FÉS Morocco

FÉS Morocco

FÉS Morocco Fez, former royal city, FES-EL-BALI, lies in the mountainous northwest region of Africa on one of the most important trading routes between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean.In Maghreb, the MOSQUÉE KARAOUIYNE is believed to have been founded by followers of the Prophet Mohammed and is regarded as one of the most important buildings in the Islamic world, in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of the markets which look and soundtoday much as they would have done many dust-covered centuries ago. Buy this film on DVD in a collector souvenir case or download. Great for memories of trip taken, educational tool for the classroom, library, and more at TravelVideoStore.com

7 Days MOROCCO

7 Days MOROCCO

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, has the most important harbour in North Africa and is gateway to the magic of the Orient. In the Koran it says: 'And Allah's Throne Was On The Water !' Thus inspired, the Grand Mosque was built on Casablanca's shoreline. This monumental building was designed to accommodate 105,000 believers and its tall minaret dominates the city's skyline. More than twelve million people helped finance this 'Eighth Wonder Of The World' which involved 90 engineers and 30,000 craftsmen and artists. Lying northwards along the Atlantic coast, is Rabat, Morocco's capital and home to its government and royal family. The King's Palace, the Palais Royal, is a town in itself. Surrounded by walls and protected by royal guards, since 1864 it has been the main residence of the Alaouite Dynasty which has been in power since 1666. To the south of RABAT lies Chellah, City of the Dead. The Merinde necropolis has a square tower and is surrounded by a wall made of crushed loam, proof that the Cathagers built a trading centre here in the 3rd century B.C. Amongst the tombs, the sarcophagus of Sultan Abou El-Hassan stands proud with its artistic engravings. Fez El-Bali dates back to the Middle Ages and contains narrow streets, a pungent mixture of scents, the penetrating sound of craftsmen and fine examples of the Moorish art of building. Travelling through the Atlas Mountains, the small town of Ilfrane boasts tranquil parks and ponds, modern residential areas and shady avenues which take the traveller by surprise. Just as with their ancestors over the centuries, even today nomads and their camels traverse the endless Sahara. For a distance of over 40 kilometres, the magic landscape of the sand dunes compares with the largest in the world. Finally, Marrakesh, dreamy city at the foot of the High Atlas and Morocco's most beautiful city. What better location to end the fairytale that is Morocco!

Vista Point RABAT Morocco

Vista Point RABAT Morocco

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and also its royal seat of power. The main residence of King Mohammed the Sixth is a fascinating modern metropolis. Along with its monumental works of art the fourth oldest of the Makhzen cities is also one of Morocco's most important.

Cafés and workshops reflect daily life and most of the city's souks are divided into specialised areas with items such as leather goods, blankets and carpets for sale: and with a little haggling it's possible to purchase quality handicrafts at a very modest price!

The Kasbah Des Oudaias was built by Yacoub El Mansour in the 12th century. It is located at Rabat's most elevated point and is like a village within the city. The eight metre high wall once protected the Kasbah and its inhabitants and the fortress is inhabited to the present day.

Barred windows create an Andalusian ambience. The Kasbah is one of the most popular though most expensive addresses in Rabat.

Throughout the centuries the Moroccan coast was dominated by pirates but the might of European colonialists put an end to their dubious activities.

The mausoleum of Mohammed the 5th was built in 1967 and the tomb complex contains a mosque, a mausoleum and a small memorial that contains images of the king.

At the end of the 12th century Yacoub El Mansour constructed the largest mosque in the Maghreb. At a height of sixty metres its minaret was taller than any other in North Africa. Four hundred columns support the prayer room and it has fourteen gates.

Rabat is a fascinating capital city and royal residence. An exotic world that lies between both occident and orient.

Vista Point MEKNES Morocco

Vista Point MEKNES Morocco

Meknes is one of Morocco's four royal cities and became famous due to its megalomaniac monarch, Sultan Moulay Ismail who is also known as Morocco's Sun King. The cruel and despotic sultan made Meknes the mightiest fortified city in North Africa.

Moulay Ismail had an army of a hundred and fifty thousand men who were stationed at each of the country's main strategic points. Included in his royal household was a harem of six hundred wives of various races as well as countless children and a large retinue of African slaves. His former residence, the Heri and Dar El-Ma Complex, contained fifty palaces that were divided by way of gardens, barracks and stables in which there were twelve thousand horses.

The Medina of Meknes is a World Heritage Site and contains both medieval and modern architecture. The old town consists of the Ville Imperiale, the ruins of the palace complex and also the Medina with it residential and commercial districts. It also includes the former Jews Ancien district and the Nouveau Mellah that is now known as Riad.

The Medersa Bou-Inania is one of the most important buildings in the Medina. Its courtyard contains a shell-shaped well that is used for ritual bathing. The ground marble and alabaster stuccowork is decorated with objects made with fine spatulas.

The Great Mosque was founded by the Almohads but was altered during the time of the Meridis and provides a close insight into the world of Islam.

The Berber tribe of Meknassa first gave this city its name but following thousands of years of dramatic history the former royal city of Meknes remains an enigma to the present day.

Vista Point MARRAKESH Morocco

Vista Point MARRAKESH Morocco

Marrakesh, the 'red pearl' of Morocco was founded by Youssef Ben Tachfin in 1602. It is one of the country's four Royal Cities. Up to the beginning of the 20th century the city was a trading centre for both the north of Morocco and the Sahara and the monarchs of various dynasties made Marrakesh their capital city.

The large souks of Marrakesh's Medina are divided into numerous sections and stock just about everything known to Man!

In spite of the city's apparent calm there is much activity and the traffic is surprisingly well disciplined.

Marrakesh has the largest souks in Morocco. As well as shoes and clothing they stock all the necessities of life and of course bargaining and haggling are the norm! Daily life in the souks is dominated by trade. They are a vital meeting place and trading centre for the farmers of the High Atlas. Those who wish to experience Moroccan daily life can do so here and a stroll through the narrow alleys taking in the city's sounds and aromas explains far more than any travel guide.

Place Jemaa El-Fna is the 'Square Of The Beheaded' and is Marrakesh's most famous attraction with snake charmers, musicians and storytellers. In 2001 the Square Of The Beheaded was designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.

Built in 1158, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosquee is the symbol of the city. The seventy seven metre tall sandstone minaret served as the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat and most of it was built by Spanish prisoners of war.

Marrakesh is an historic bridge that unites both urban and nomadic cultures - an exotic gateway to Africa and a captivating window to Europe!

Global Treasures - Meknes - Morocco

Global Treasures - Meknes - Morocco

Meknes is the monumental city of the four kings´ towns of Morocco whose impressive gates and powerful walls surround the old town of Medina.

The 20 kilometre long town wall is one the oldest relicts of the former sovereign of the Alaouits, Sultan Moulay Ismaíl, who was prone to larger-than-life ideals. Also, the great silo of the Heri and Dar El-Mas building dates back to this time, the end of the 17th century. It was designed to guarantee an adequate supply of food for the 150,000 men of the sultans army.

In the midst of the historic commercial district is one of the citys oldest buildings, the Medersa Bou Inania. The beautiful decor of its inner courtyard and walls fascinates with its overwhelming number of unusual artistic Majolika designs.

Not far away from the Medersa Bou Inania there is a further significant building, the Great Mosque.

There is much activity in the main streets and on the squares of Meknes and the beautiful Bab El Mansour Gate particularly attracts droves of visitors each day.

Even today, the monumental architecture of Meknes holds great importance for this royal city.

MOSQUE HASSAN II CASBLANCA MOROCCO

MOSQUE HASSAN II CASBLANCA MOROCCO

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