Casablanca & El Jadida - Introduction — Moroccan Coast — Kuoni Travel Morocco 2008 online holiday brochure

The setting of a Bogart classic, home to Africa's largest port and the largest mosque outside Mecca, Casablanca is a hugely important city. casablanca The city of Casablanca is very different to the studio based film that brought its fame. Though trade and industry mark a cosmopolitan city that is home to 60% of the country's industry, Casablanca and its surrounding area is a must see on any trip to Morocco. INFORMATION Population: 3.8 million Airport: Mohammed V International Airport Local transport: Bus service around the city originates from the modern CTM or SAT bus station. Alternatively, Grand or Petit taxis Shops: 9.00am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-6.30pm, some craft centres till 8.00pm Banks: Many banks and bureaus offer money exchange and there is an abundance of ATMs. Money exchange is generally available 9.00am-9.00pm CASABLANCA CITY MAP Atlantic Ocean Hassan II Mosque Port Medina Royal Mansour A mix of art deco, Moorish and contemporary architecture, contrasts the cool palm lined boulevards and quiet parks that surround the medina. The city's corniche provides both locals and tourists a break from the hustle and bustle and leads to the Hassan II Mosque. The mosque's minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and dominates the city's skyline. Central Market Palais de Justice Parc de la Ligne Arabe see & do CITY SIGHTS Completed in 1993 Hassan II Mosque is the third largest religious monument in the world taking five years to complete. Located on the shores of the ocean it makes a good starting point for walking the promenade. Inland the historical Medina is flanked to the north by the remains of the 18th century walls. The biggest park in the city Parc de La Ligue Arabe is French in design though the flora is most definitely African. RESTAURANTS Regardless of the size of your budget, you can find a superb place to enjoy a meal in Casablanca. Generally accepted as the best place to eat when in Morocco, Casablanca has a large variety of traditional, seafood and take-away eateries. EL JADIDA Sixty three miles south of Casablanca the Portuguese held the city for 250 years in all building a fortress and moat around the medina. Remains of the city still remain though most was rebuilt in 1815, its lanes and ramparts are still visible and most notably the underground pillared cistern was used as a setting in Orson Welles' Othello. 1 3 4 1 Casablanca 2 Hassan Mosque, Casablanca 3 Le Royal Mansour 4 Sofitel Royal El Jadida 2 60

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