Friday, February 22, 2013

Hassan II Mosque

One day while we were in Morocco we decided to take the train over to Casablanca.  (Side note: before Morocco I always told myself that I could go to the bathroom anywhere because I had used restrooms in China.  Now I can say that I can use any public restroom and not be grossed out because I have used the bathroom on a train in Morocco.  So disgusting.)

One of the main things that we wanted to see while in Casablanca was the Hassan II Mosque.  It did not disappoint.  Ammon and I were completely in awe.  I'm pretty sure that it was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen in my entire life.  It was also one of the largest.  Seriously, this bad boy is HUGE.  Like woah.

I'll just let the pictures do the talking.  Be prepared to be amazed.






Fun Fact:  While building this mosque they actually ran out of money, and to finish the construction the king actually forced the people of Casablanca to 'donate' money to complete the mosque.  



Seriously, look at that tile work!  Tell me your mind isn't blown by it.

Just inside these doors there was a 'guard' who was supposed to keep people out, but he was sneakily letting people take pictures inside the mosque.  After you took pictures he tried to get you to pay him.  Minutes later we watched him be hauled off by other security guards.  






This is only a very very small part of the open courtyard that this mosque had.  You can just sort of tell how huge it was.



They built the mosque RIGHT on the ocean.  


A picture of Ammon taking a picture.