Admire the architecture of the Sacré-Coeur church in Casablanca

Published on June 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, don't miss the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Casablanca. This stunning church is a blend of Moorish, Gothic and Art Deco styles, making it a must-see for architecture fans. Built largely from moulded concrete, it is recognisable from afar, as it is painted in a brilliant white (it's literally dazzling in the summer!). The cathedral was the main place of worship for the Catholic community, but fell into disuse after Morocco gained independence. Even after the departure of the colonists and its closure in 1956, the building retained its prestige, and is about to be transformed into a famous cultural venue to host various types of events. In recent years, the Church of the Sacred Heart has been restored to its original glory, and is now open to visitors.

Sacré Coeur Catholic Church in Casablanca

Summary

History of the church
Architecture in many styles
Our favourite hotel near the Sacré Coeur church
Where to eat near Sacré Coeur church?
Practical information

History of the church

The monument was founded in the 1930s during the French Protectorate by Marshal Lyautey, the French resident in Morocco, to serve as a place of worship for Christians living in Morocco. It was the French architect Paul Tournan who led the work on the cathedral (which lasted 25 years). Today, it is considered one of the most important and beautiful heritage churches in the country.

A specialist in religious buildings, Paul Tournon wanted the structure to be made of concrete, as this was a typical technique of the late 19th century, later spread by Le Corbusier.

The former Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Casablanca

Architecture in many styles

In order to rival European buildings and their splendour, the architect wanted to blend various architectural styles, including Gothic, Art Deco and Arab-Andalusian. The latter can be seen in the mosaics, the bell towers built in the spirit of a minaret, the geometric motifs, and the windows that pierce the upper levels of the cathedral, similar to the ornamentation in mosques.

Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur à Casablanca

Our favourite hotel near the Sacré Coeur church

Where to eat near Sacré Coeur church?

If you're hungry after your visit to the cathedral, why not drop in at the Hotel Le Doge. You can enjoy local and Mediterranean dishes from the rooftop, with a sumptuous view over the city.

Practical information

📍 Location: the Sacré Coeur church is on rue d'Alger.

👉Visit: this former place of worship now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Temporarily closed in 2023, the cathedral is well worth a visit to admire its architecture.

by Jude JONES

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