Information
Landmark: Mahkama du PachaCity: Casablanca
Country: Morocco
Continent: Africa
Mahkama du Pacha, Casablanca, Morocco, Africa
Overview
The Mahkama du Pacha stands among Casablanca’s most striking landmarks, its arches and carved wooden doors steeped in history, equally important it may not draw the crowds that flock to Fes or Marrakech, but in the middle of a bustling modern city, it stands as a striking showcase of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship-intricate tiles gleaming in the sunlight.Not surprisingly, Let’s take a closer look at it-step one, as well as the Mahkama du Pacha, meaning “Court of the Pasha,” once bustled with officials and petitioners, serving as both courthouse and administrative hub under the French Protectorate, more or less The Pasha, a high-ranking official chosen by the Sultan, used it for court and state business, and welcomed guests there during formal receptions beneath its vaulted halls, in conjunction with today, it serves mainly as an active administrative office, but on occasion-if you meet the right requirements-visitors can step inside and wander its echoing hallways.As it turns out, Two, in addition you’ll find it in the Habous Quarter, or New Medina, a neighborhood shaped during the French colonial era to weave European city planning with the warm arches and tiled courtyards of traditional Moroccan design, sort of Tucked away in Casablanca, the area feels calm and inviting, with narrow lanes lined by artisan stalls, stacks of worn books, and a slower, more traditional vibe than the bustling downtown, consequently number three.Built in the 1940s, the Mahkama du Pacha stands as a Moorish-Moroccan gem, its arches and courtyards echoing the Islamic design traditions of Andalusia and North Africa, while you’ll find cedar ceilings carved with astonishing detail, hand-cut zellige tiles set in sharp geometric patterns, and stucco plasterwork-called “gebs”-adorned with curling flowers and flowing calligraphy.Arches lead into sunlit courtyards where fountains splash, while wrought iron scrolls frame heavy, ornate doors, also built by Moroccan artisans using age-vintage methods during the colonial period, it stands as a testament to preserving culture and craftsmanship, under certain circumstances Number four, in addition the building holds more than 60 rooms-courtrooms, offices, and reception halls-arranged around airy patios and sunlit courtyards.The main hall rises with high ceilings and grand columns, evoking the elegance of palaces in Fes or Marrakech, where light spills across carved stone, while five.Mahkama du Pacha stands out as a rare blend-a public administrative building crafted with the same intricate artistry you’d expect from a royal palace, right down to its carved cedar doors, to boot it’s a reminder of Morocco’s rich architectural roots and the care taken to keep traditional building crafts alive, even as glass towers and new roads reshape the skyline.Number six, to boot accessibility can be tricky here-it’s still a working government building, with guards at the door and only a few areas open to tourists.You can sometimes get in on a guided tour, or with a local guide who chats with security to clear the way, in turn tourists won’t find a ticket booth or a sign with visiting hours pinned to the gate.You might not be allowed to take photos in some spots, depending on the rules in destination-like near the quiet gallery with the fragile glass display, in conjunction with seven.Those who make it inside often call it one of Casablanca’s most breathtaking spots-quiet and majestic, with intricate carvings that catch the light, in turn it’s the perfect spot for anyone drawn to sweeping arches, rich history, or the intricate patterns of Moroccan art.Eight, along with while you’re in the Habous area, take time to stroll past the Royal Palace’s grand gates, sample warm bread from a traditional Moroccan bakery, browse bookshops lined with weathered pages, and wander through markets overflowing with leather and gleaming copperware, before stepping into the quiet courtyard of the historic Mosquée Mohamed V; together, these sights set the stage for the Mahkama du Pacha-a hidden architectural gem that captures both the artistry of Moroccan craftsmanship and the layered history of Casablanca’s 20th‑century growth.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-26
