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Casablanca Art Deco

Casablanca Art Deco Private Tour: A Journey through Time and Architecture

Casablanca's transformation into an Art Deco haven began in the early 20th century under French colonial rule. General Hubert Lyautey, the first French Resident-General in Morocco, envisioned a modern city that would serve as a showcase of French urban planning and architecture. This vision gave birth to the unique Mauresque style, a fascinating fusion of traditional Moroccan designs and 20th-century European influences.
The Art Deco movement, which flourished between the two World Wars, found a perfect canvas in Casablanca. The city's rapid growth and the desire to create a modern metropolis led to the construction of numerous buildings in this style. Today, Casablanca stands as a living museum of Art Deco architecture, blending Moroccan craftsmanship with European modernism. 
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Casablanca Art Deco on this exclusive one-day private tour of Casablanca, Morocco's architectural gem. Led by an English and French-speaking driver-guide, you'll explore the city's rich Art Deco heritage in the comfort of a luxury 4x4 vehicle.
Discover why Architectural Digest highlighted Casablanca as an emerging destination and immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of late Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modern architecture. Book your Casablanca Art Deco Odyssey today and step back in time to the golden age of Moroccan design!
Duration: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Morocco Travel: Explore in comfort with a Luxuryvehicle with an Multilingual, Expert English speaking guide
Starting & Finishing Point: Your Art Deco Hotel in Casablanca or the Port
Casablanca Tour Highlights and Detailed Itinerary
Morning: Art Deco Exploration (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the port at 9:00 AM. Enjoy a leisurely drive through Casablanca as your guide introduces you to the city's Art Deco wonders. You'll visit the following key sites:
  1. Grande Poste (1918): This main post office building is a prime example of early Art Deco in Casablanca. Its facade showcases a blend of Moorish and Art Deco elements, with intricate tilework and geometric patterns. Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved Art Deco fittings that transport you back to the early 20th century.
  2. Palais de Justice (1925): The judicial building stands as a testament to the grandeur of colonial architecture. Its imposing facade is adorned with Moroccan-inspired motifs, while the interior boasts elaborate courtyards. The building's design reflects the fusion of local and European styles that characterizes Casablanca's unique architectural identity.
  3. Cinema Rialto (1930s): This historic cinema holds a special place in Casablanca's cultural history. Its striking red and white Art Deco facade is a visual treat. The cinema gained fame as the venue where Josephine Baker performed for American soldiers during World War II, linking it to both architectural and entertainment history.
  4. Wilaya (Prefecture): The administrative building is notable for its iconic Art Deco clock tower. This structure embodies the French colonial administration's desire to create a modern city with a distinct visual identity. The clock tower serves as a landmark and a symbol of the city's transformation in the early 20th century.
  5. Rue Idriss Lhrizi: This street is a gallery of Art Deco facades, each telling its own story of Casablanca's golden age. As you stroll along, you'll see a variety of architectural details including geometric patterns, stylized floral motifs, and innovative use of materials like glass and metal.
  6. Notable Art Deco Hotels:
    • Hotel Guynemer (1909): One of the earliest examples of Art Deco in Casablanca, this 3-star hotel charms visitors with both its facade and interior design. Its 29 rooms have retained much of their original character, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury.
    • Hotel Transatlantique (1922): Considered one of Casablanca's true architectural jewels, this hotel showcases the evolution of Art Deco style in the city. Its design incorporates both European and Moroccan elements, creating a unique visual appeal.
    • Hotel Lincoln (1917): Designed by French architect Hubert Bride, this hotel is currently in ruins but still captivates with its facade. It stands as a poignant reminder of Casablanca's architectural heritage and the challenges of preservation.
    • Imperial Hotel: This 4-star boutique hotel has a rich history, having served as General Patton's headquarters during World War II. Its Art Deco elements blend with its historical significance, making it a unique stop on the tour.
  7. Residential blocks of Glaoui, Bessonneau, and Asayag: These residential buildings showcase how Art Deco influenced not just public buildings but also private residences. You'll observe ornate ironwork, decorative balconies, and geometric patterns that characterize the Art Deco style. These structures offer insight into the daily lives of Casablanca's elite during the Art Deco period.
  8. Villa Des Arts (1934): This building stands as a leading work of Art Deco architecture in Casablanca. Originally a private residence, it has been transformed into a cultural center hosting art exhibitions. The villa's design exemplifies the height of Art Deco sophistication, with its clean lines, geometric shapes, and innovative use of space.
Midday: Casablanca Market Culture and Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
  • Explore Marche Centrale: Casablanca's main market is a vibrant hub of local life. Here, you'll experience the sensory delights of Moroccan culture, from the aroma of spices to the colorful displays of fresh produce. The market building itself, constructed in 1917, showcases elements of Art Deco design blended with traditional Moroccan architecture.
Lunchtime Favorites: 
  • Enjoy a gourmet meal at Paul Cafe in Villa Zevaco, an Art Deco villa built in 1947. This lunch stop allows you to experience Art Deco not just visually, but through the ambiance of dining in a beautifully preserved historic building.
  • Savor a meal at La Squala, a restuarant perched within a historic 18th-century fortified bastion on the edge of the old medina, offering a tranquil dining escape from downtown's energy. This charming garden restaurant, named for its ochre walls, has become particularly renowned for its breakfast and lunch service. The menu celebrates Moroccan cuisine with expertly prepared briouates (stuffed pastries), aromatic tajines, bastillas (savory-sweet pies), and brochettes (kebabs), alongside an array of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern hot and cold salads. The combination of historic setting, peaceful garden atmosphere, and traditional flavors makes it a must-visit dining destination in Casablanca.
Afternoon: A Historic Mosque and Shopping in the Souks (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
  • Hassan II Mosque: This modern Casablanca architectural masterpiece, completed in 1993, stands as a testament to Moroccan craftsmanship and contemporary design. While not Art Deco, its intricate tilework and grand scale offer an interesting contrast to the earlier buildings you've seen. The mosque's minaret is the world's tallest at 210 meters, and its prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
  • Casablanca's Coastal Corniche: This vibrant neighborhood stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, just west of the Hassan II Mosque. Here, visitors can dip their feet in the Atlantic waters on Moroccan soil and experience the perfect blend of modern city life and traditional culture. The area comes alive especially during sunset hours, when both locals and tourists gather at oceanfront cafes to people-watch while sipping traditional Moroccan mint tea, poured from height in the characteristic style. The promenade offers spectacular views, comfortable terrace seating, and the opportunity to witness the stunning illumination of the Hassan II Mosque as day turns to evening.
  • New Town (Ville Nouvelle): Designed by French architect Henri Prost, this area showcases the evolution of Casablanca's architecture. You'll observe how Art Deco influences blend with later architectural styles, creating a unique urban landscape. The main streets radiate from Place des Nations Unies, the former site of the main market of Anfa.
  • The Parc de La Ligue Arabe, formerly known as Lyautey Park, stands as Casablanca's largest public park, offering a serene escape with its avenues lined with towering palm trees, dense ficus, elegant arcades, and colorful flower beds. At its edge sits the Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur, a stunning example of Mauresque architecture that, though no longer active as a church, remains a testament to the city's architectural heritage. This expansive green space serves as a peaceful refuge in the heart of the bustling city, where visitors can stroll along well-maintained paths and enjoy the shade of its majestic trees.
End your day with a brief tour and cocktail on the terrace of Le Doge Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel in a restored Art Deco villa. This final stop allows you to reflect on your journey through Casablanca's architectural history while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Why Choose This Tour Casablanca Art Deco Tour?
  • Expert Guide: English mutlilingual speaking guide expert in Art Deco architecture and local history
  • Comfort: Travel in a luxury Mercedes vehicle
  • Exclusivity: Private tour tailored to your interests
  • Comprehensive: Cover all major Art Deco sites in Casablanca in one day
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience both architectural wonders and local Moroccan culture
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