Hassan II Mosque - Atlas Obscura

It took over seven years and 10,000 craftsmen 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 not the largest mosque in the world, Hassan II once claimed the title of having the tallest minaret. Capped with a spotlight that shines east towards Mecca, the minaret is 210 meters (690 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.

In 2024, a new mosque claimed the title of world’s tallest minaret, moving. Hassan II to second place. Algeria’s Djamaa El-Djazair, inaugurated in February 2024, features a minaret that is 265 meters (869 feet) tall.

Know Before You Go

Tours are available in multiple languages and are required if you are not Muslim. No need to cover your head, but knees and shoulders should be covered. The tours run Saturday through Thursday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 4 .p.m and Fridays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Check the website for changes to the schedule during Ramadan. Entrants must remove their shoes (plan your socks accordingly), but you are provided a small bag to carry them on your tour. Underground parking is available nearby.

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