Casablanca Cathedral, Casablanca (must see)

As long as the French ran the show in Morocco, a Catholic cathedral in Casablanca was not inconceivable. The cathedral was not officially a cathedral anyway. It was never the seat of a bishop. Although it certainly was big enough. So, it was officially a church, properly known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

After independence in Morocco, the Cathedral ceased to be a church. It was converted to use as a school and then as a cultural center. It is a tourist attraction not dedicated to any particular use. But it is huge. It has been described as "breathtaking."

The style is Art Deco with neo-Gothic and Moorish touches, especially in the two great bell towers flanking the entrance. Architect Paul Tournon started his project in 1930. Money was in short supply, so he built section by section from the altar out. He planned on ten bays, or sections. He completed three. The full cathedral was finished in 1952.

The Church of the sacred Heart has five naves separated by columns. This is novel. Most European cathedrals have three naves. This was reminiscent of early Christian architecture in Africa. It was the intention of Tournon that the cathedral should tower over all the mosques.

Without the religious function, the vast empty cathedral seems anachronous. The Cathedral can be found by the Arab League Park, the biggest park in the city.