It took over seven years and 10,000 craftsman to construct the Hassan II Mosque, but the result is a modern and massive tribute to the former King of Morocco that beautifully blends traditional Moorish architecture with 20th century innovation and equipment.

Although it is only the 7th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II claims the title of having the largest minaret in the world. Capped with a spotlight that shines east towards Mecca, the minaret is 700-feet tall, towering above the Atlantic Ocean. Almost lighthouse-like in its position, it is also built directly on the Atlantic Ocean on reclaimed land, which was done with intention by the architect to recall a verse of the Qur’an stating that “the throne of Allah was built on water.”

The final construction took 2,500 men working around the clock. Besides the mosque’s intricate beauty and incredible size, it was also built with modern concerns in mind. The mosque can withstand earthquakes and also features a sliding roof and a heated floor.