Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, Casablanca
View to the Hassan II Mosque and ocean from the roof.
Location map and aerial view of Sacre-Coeur Cathedral. For a larger interactive view, see our Casablanca Map.
The huge Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur is a surprising sight in the heart of Casablanca. With its unique architecture, the disused church seems both out of place and in harmony with its surroundings all at the same time.
History
Casablanca's cathedral was built in 1930, when Morocco was still under the rule of Catholic France. Falling into disuse after Morocco's independence in 1956, the Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur was used as a school and then a culture center. Today, it hosts fairs and exhibitions.
What to See
The Sacré-Coeur Cathedral is a fascinating work of architecture. Designed by the French architect Paul Tournon, who also designed several churches in France, it represents an interesting experiment in the decorative use of cast concrete.
The imposing church is built in a Neo-Gothic style with clear Art Deco and Moroccan Muslim influences. The twin towers flanking west front look like square minarets, and the small windows that pierce the upper parts of the cathedral would be at home in any mosque. The external buttresses along the roof have sharp right angles instead of the usual curves.
Inside, the Sacré-Coeur is less inspiring; utilitarian uses and general neglect have taken their toll. The cathedral is sometimes left open for visits, including access to the towers that provide great views over Casablanca to the Atlantic Ocean.
When we visited, there was a free archaeological exhibition in the nave and a man seated at a desk near the door encouraged us to the climb the towers for the views. (And he encouraged us to give a donation upon our return.)
The tower stairs are made of concrete and crumbling brick and covered in the feathers and deposits of nesting pigeons, but it seems safe enough and the views are worth it. The tower climb also provides the unique opportunity to view the cathedral's unusual buttresses and even walk on them as far as you like. But beware - there are no rails or safety features to be found!
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Sacre-Coeur Cathedral; Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur; Casablanca Cathedral |
| Dedicated to: | Sacred Heart |
| Location: | Casablanca, Morocco |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | museum |
| Date: | 1930 |
| Architect: | Paul Tournon |
| Architecture: | Modern, Neo-Gothic |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 33.591144° N, 7.62449° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Casablanca, Morocco |
| Hours: | Unpredictable |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources
- Casablanca Map - our detailed interactive map of Casablanca, plus hand-picked links to more
- Casablanca Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Casablanca Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Casablanca Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Casablanca tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (April 8, 2007).
- The Sunken Cathedral - Nicolai Steinø
- Paul Tournon - Artnet.com
- Casablanca - Morocco.com
- Other Sites in Casablanca - VirtualTourist.com
Article last updated: 08/18/2009.
