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StumbleUponCathédrale Sacré-Coeur, Casablanca
View to the Hassan II Mosque and ocean from the roof.
Interactive satellite map of Casablanca's cathedral. For a larger view,
see our Casablanca Map or Google Earth download.
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 is an experiment in the decorative potential of cast concrete.
The imposing church is made of gleaming white concrete in a Neo-Gothic style, but with clear Art Deco and Moroccan Muslim influences. The twin towers that flank the 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. Its external buttresses along the roof have sharp right angles instead of the usual curves.
Inside, the Sacré-Coeur is less inspiring; long-time 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 small, 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.
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 more than 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
| Names: | Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur; Casablanca Cathedral |
| Type of site: | Catholic cathedral |
| Status: | Deconsecrated for secular use |
| Architecture: | Neo-Gothic with Art Deco and Moroccan influences |
| Dates: | 1930 |
| Location: | Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Casablanca, Morocco |
| Hours: | Unpredictable |
| Cost: | Free |
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Article Sources
- Personal visit (April 2007)
- The Sunken Cathedral - Nicolai Steinø
- Paul Tournon - Artnet.com
- Casablanca - Morocco.com
- Other Sites in Casablanca - VirtualTourist.com
