When you explore the historic medina of Casablanca, you will discover the Ould Al Hamra Mosque, a remarkable place of worship originally erected in 1789 under Sultan Muhammad III bin Abdellah. Sultan Muhammad III, often called "the architect of modern Morocco," built this mosque as part of his efforts to revitalize Casablanca and other cities following the devastating earthquake of 1755. As you visit, you will appreciate its classic Maghrebi architecture and its impressive prayer hall, which is designed to fit up to 1,500 people.
What makes this destination particularly special is its location within a compact 250-square-meter space in the medina. In this small area, the mosque stands together with the Ettedgui Synagogue and the Church of San Buenaventura, representing the three Abrahamic religions side by side. Throughout its long standing history, the mosque has undergone significant renovations, including updates under Sultan Hassan I in 1892 and extensive restoration work led by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs beginning in 2010.
King Mohammed VI officially inaugurated the beautifully restored mosque following a Friday sermon in December 2016. Adding this landmark to your itinerary offers you a meaningful glimpse into Morocco's rich history, architectural traditions, and unique urban heritage.
What to see at Ould Al Hamra Mosque
- Erected in 1789 under Sultan Muhammad III bin Abdellah
- Features traditional Maghrebi architecture
- Prayer hall with capacity for 1,500 people
- Coexists with a synagogue and church in a 250 m² space representing three Abrahamic religions
- Restored under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and inaugurated in 2016
Visiting tips
Observe how the mosque shares a tiny 250-square-meter area in the medina alongside a synagogue and a church.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ould Al Hamra Mosque is easy to reach on Casablanca’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hassan II Mosque and Museum of Moroccan Judaism. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Casablanca travel guide.
See the full Casablanca travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.