Added: 05/23/2006 |
The Portuguese founded Casablanca, but it was never a very important town. The French came into Morocco in the beginning of the 20th century, and Casablanca's status improved drastically.
The old cities of Fez and Marrakech started to loose their importance in the commerce industries and many of the merchant families moved to Casablanca to make some real money on the coast. During World War II Casablanca was the place where Presidents Churchill and Roosevelt met in 1943 for the allied summit.
Nowadays Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca is often called the "United States of Morocco" as if a thousand years of history had been brushed aside to let through a modern city. With almost 4 million people, it is Africa's second largest city and only the small, walled Medina still hints at the legend that celluloid once thrust upon her. However, today the city is the commercial and industrial centre of Morocco.
Casablanca holidays will be incomplete without seeing the attractions offered here. Place Mohammed V, located in the centre of Casablanca is also known as Place des Nations Unies. It is one of the best examples of French Colonial Architecture in Casablanca, and is strongly influenced by art deco. Place Mohammed V is absolutely gorgeous.
Hassan II in Casablanca is one of the biggest in the world and also one of the most expensive. Approximately $800 million went into the project and the Moroccans have contributed to the construction of the Mosque in terms of a tax that was imposed to help in the construction of the buildings.
Most people decide to take Casablanca holidays to be able to enjoy its beaches. Ain Diab beach has many beach clubs, which line the oceanfront, like Le Tonga, Miami or Tahiti. The beach itself is really quite enjoyable, and perfect to sit and enjoy the day.
Bouznika beach has become on of the trendiest beaches and golf resorts in Casablanca. It attracts the local weekend and summer tourists. Bouzinika is the ideal destination for Casablanca holidays, especially for people who wish to combine great golfing and a fabulous beach in an unique Moroccan experience.
Agadir, southwest of Casablanca, offers long, wide, beautiful beaches with gorgeous white sand. There are various sea sports on offer and you could even rent a camel and go for a ride along the beautiful beach.
Another thing to experience on Casablanca holidays is local cuisine. Tagine, the Moroccan meal is made from spicy meat and vegetables, which have been simmered together for hours in a conical clay pot, and is one of the best known Moroccan meals. Couscous is made from semolina grains and steamed in a colander-like dish referred to as a couscoussiere and is the staple food for the Moroccan population. Besara is a thick soup made from peas and olive oil and is a traditional breakfast in Morocco.
There are many places for shopping in Casablanca. The Houbous offers a great variety of crafts and typical Moroccan shops. The narrow streets of the Old Medina lead to various souks and bazaars, which sell almost anything you can imagine.
Whether on Casablanca short breaks or long holidays, there are tones of opportunities to have an unforgettable experience of your stay here.
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