Casablanca Between Transport and Culture

Casablanca combines urban mobility with a range of cultural experiences: a historic medina, an Art Deco cityscape, traditional architecture, art and events. If you are looking for a hotel in Casablanca, you can start by deciding which themes you want to shape your stay. Casatramway and Casabusway serve as ways to get around Casablanca. Check the operator’s latest information before travelling, as network details may change.

The Medina and the City’s History

Casablanca’s medina was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. According to Morocco’s national tourism authority, it is therefore considered the country’s youngest medina. Its history of reconstruction belongs to a different period from the later development of the Habous quarter.

The Habous quarter, also known as the new medina, was built between 1918 and 1955 to accommodate migrants arriving from across Morocco. In historic Habous, winding streets, Moorish architecture and the bustle of everyday life define the quarter. Its history can be understood not only through construction dates, but also through the layout of its streets and the daily life that characterises the quarter.

Architecture in the Cityscape

In central Casablanca, broad boulevards and spacious squares lined with Art Deco buildings shape the cityscape, recalling the former colonial rule. In contrast to Habous’s winding streets, the focus here is on generous urban spaces. The architecture thus combines a distinctive style with historical memory.

The Mahkama du Pacha, also called Pacha du Habous, is a traditional Moroccan courthouse and an example of Moorish architecture, with elegant arches and delicate ornamentation. These details offer a different architectural scale from the broad boulevards and spacious squares.

The Bourse du Commerce and the Maroc Soir building on Boulevard Mohammed V are considered striking; their forms are rounded or imposing.

The Bessonneau building is also known as the Lincoln Hotel, after a hotel that was once housed there. According to an architectural description, it is considered the first example of a monumental, austere European building combined with delicate Moroccan architecture and ornamentation. The focus here is on the blending of different architectural traditions.

Art as Another Focus of the City

The Villa des Arts offers a different cultural perspective: visitors can discover paintings, sculptures and installations there, and attend gatherings and performances. Fine art and events are therefore among the possible focuses of a stay, alongside architecture and the history of the quarters.

This gives you a clear distinction to help with your choice: the medina and Habous reveal the city’s history through its quarters and everyday life, while the buildings in the city centre bring architecture and historical memory to the fore. The Villa des Arts adds artworks and event formats to these perspectives.

Discover more destinations: Nouaceur, Mediouna, Bouskoura, Aïn Harrouda, El Mansouria, Ben Yakhlef, Ben Abid, Mohammedia

For the broader travel overview: Grand Casablanca.