Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the north side of the medina, facing the port, you'll see the last remains of Casab-
lanca's 18th-century fortifications. Known as the sqala , the bastion offers panoramic views
over the sea.
Maarif
Southwest of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe is the city's business centre and the place to head
for international designer brands.
Jewish Museum
( 0522 99 49 40; www.casajewishmuseum.com ; 81 Rue Chasseur Jules Gros, Quartier Oasis; admission
Dh25; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm Sun) South of Maarif in the suburb of Oasis is this mu-
seum housed in a beautiful villa surrounded by lush gardens. It's the only Jewish museum
in the Islamic world. It relates the history of the once-thriving Jewish community (two
thirds of whom live in Casablanca) and its influence on modern Moroccan society, with
more than 1500 historical artefacts including documents, traditional clothing, ceremonial
items and a vast collection of photographs. Oasis is a 15-minute taxi ride (Dh30) from the
city centre.
MUSEUM
Quartier Habous
(Nouvelle Medina)
The Quartier Habous, or nouvelle medina, is Morocco-lite - an idealised, almost Disney
version of a traditional medina, with neat rows of streets and shop stalls. Built by the
French in the 1930s, it was a unique experiment: a medina built to Western standards to
accommodate the first rural exodus in the 1920s. As such, it blends Moroccan architecture
with French ideals, epitomised by a mosque and a strip of grassy lawn, reminiscent of
European village churches.
However sanitised it may feel, if you have some last-minute souvenir shopping to do,
Habous is more peaceful than most souqs and has a decent selection of bazaars, craft
shops, bakeries and cafes.
The Royal Palace (closed to the public) is to the north of the district, while to the south is
the old Mahakma du Pasha (courts & reception hall;
, which
8am-noon & 2-6pm Mon-Sat)
 
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