| Old Medina tips and photos posted by real travelers and Casablanca locals. • 41 Photos
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If anything in Casablanca could fit the Casablanca of Bergman and Bogart, it could be the old city called Ancienne Medina (ancient medina).
Notice that the old town was largely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. Rebuilding took place in 1770 under the reign of Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah. Its tiny streets are full of shops/stores and small squares.
It's small, consisting mainly of smaller houses, which all seem to be from this century, and the alleyways dominating in other old cities, are rarely found here. There is a good market there, but look around before you buy, shop keepers here know their skills. Some thousand people live here, and in some spots, true beauty occurs.
Leave a Comment Directions: North and northwest of the Place des Nations Unies.
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The old city of Casablanca (Ancienne Medina) is conveniently placed just off the main town square from where all avenues radiate, and close to the sea. But as you enter, you will see that it is not all that old after all in contrast to other Moroccan cities. The houses of Casablanca Ancienne Medina often have a form and size which would have made them natural elements in the "new" parts (Nouvelle city) of many other Moroccan cities.
But still, it is very nice, even if it is very small. The best parts of the old city I saw were made up of shopping areas, where all types of products were sold. I saw the less visited quarters, the areas where people lived where colours and shapes and curves brought me far away from elegance of downtown Casablanca.
Leave a Comment Directions: North and northwest of the Place des Nations Unies.
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I was very surpised when I saw low and unimposing city walls of large city of Casablanca. In all other cities I visited in Morocco the city walls dominated the image of the city. But there was interesting, tall clock tower there - close to focal point of Casablanca that is Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Square, former Place Mohammed V).
Leave a Comment Directions: Around the Old Medina, north and northwest of the Place des Nations Unies.
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One of my favourite places in Casablanca is a tiny mosque in the old medina - it's just so beautiful that it's worth going to the medina just for it. It's called Chleuh mosque and it has a perfectly white mynaret that looks as if it was made of lace, not stone.
Unfortunately the mosque cannot be visited if you are not a muslim, so I had to make do with a quick glimpse through the door. Inside it looked just as beautiful as outside. To get there, as you enter the medina, don't lose sight of the mynaret, and then zig-zag the little alleys until you get there. You will get there... Leave a Comment Address: jemaa ech ChleuhDirections: old medina - near place des nations unies
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Sidi Belyoott is the Patron Saint of Casablanca. His name is Omar Ben Haroon and he died around 1165 AD. He was a blind holy man who the locals saw being befriended by a pride of barberry lions so he was nick named Abo Alloyooth (the man with the lions). After his death a mosque was built on his grave. This mosque was destroyed along with the city in the late 15th century by the Portuguese. The current building was built in 19th century and it has the graves of others too. The mosque has 2 court yards leading to a prayer hall where the grave is located inside.
This mosque is on the road between Hyatt Regency hotel and Casa Port train station. I would say it is 150 Meter from the station and 200 meter from the hotel. As you leave the train station walk pass the traffic light and you’ll see a police station on you left hand. Behind it you’ll see this white Mosque.
Today Casabanca is devided into 5 sections Sidi Belyoott is the biggest section of the city.
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I did not know wither to put this under things to do or to put under restaurants!!
The Saqala is part of the wall of the old town. It has a view of the Harbor; It is a watch tower that comes with its cannons. It also has a nice restaurant. It is a pleasant place to eat and the food is good, the atmosphere is superb and the service is friendly. The prices are on the upper side but the quality and the quantity are good. The food variety is good and includes authentic Moroccan dishes.
There is a little gift shop and an art exhibit that will be on display every now and then by local artist.
This place is around one km away from the Casa port train station. Once you get out of the train station turn right at the travel light and continuo until you see the cannon, the banner and the near fort like structure. It is close to the Youth Hostel too.
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I wandered around the Souk at 10am even though everyone told me that it wasn't safe, I would be mugged, ripped off and so on. I did the sensible things, went with empty pockets and kept my camera in my hand and stayed aware of my surroundings. The souk was full of normal people going about their daily business, buying fruit and veg and meat. The spice souk was the best part with those amazing piles of spices and all those smells. Don't be afraid and don't miss it. Many touts as you approach the Souk from the Hyatt side will try and convince you to take a tour and they will follow you. Tell them no and if they continue to bother you walk towards the police station right at the entrance in the big tower and they soon disappear. Enjoy this unique part of Casablanca. Directions: Just next to the Hyatt
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alking in Casablanca we came across a wall with an arched entrance. Entering we found ourselves in the old medina with its suq of winding alleys . It was colourful- in spite of the rain. Houses were old and sometimes balconies overlooked the street.
Trying to find a way out meant passing shops selling almost anything, turning down narrow alleys, and getting lost. In a wider area carts selling fruit were found. Many of the buildings looked old and dilapidated, but there were others that were quite attractive . Leave a Comment Address: Old MedinaDirections: off United nations Square
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Bab Marrakesh is a massive gate at the walls of the medina. It is located behind the Hyatt Hotel. Once you pass through the gate you’ll enter the old Medina. You’ll find all kinds of Souvenirs from silver to fossils. There is a big clothing market.
Beyond the market you wander in the narrow streets of the old medina. At night this place is dangerous and spooky but it should be ok during the day. In the medina there are plenty of cheap hotels if you are looking for a place. There plenty of interesting house including some belonging to a rabbi, others like old schools that are still functioning.
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The souq in the Medina is most probably more expensive. I think during my visit, it was not high tourist season, and I could take my time doing shopping. Some typical Moroccan items on sale like tagines, preserved lemons and spices.
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