Palais Royal (Royal Palace), Casablanca, Morocco

Ceremonial entrance to Palais Royal (Royal Palace), Casablanca, Morocco

A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, surrounded by picturesque orange groves and elaborate water features, Palais Royal (Royal Palace) of Casablanca is a suitably grand royal abode. Located in the Habous district of the city’s New Medina, this is the King of Morocco’s principal Casablanca residence and host to a number of important events and royal receptions. Casablanca’s Habous Quarter, otherwise known as New Medina, is an area of the city built in 1930s by the French, so it is no surprise that it features a wonderful mix of French and Moroccan inspired architecture.

Closeup of the ceremonial entrance to Palais Royal (Royal Palace), Casablanca, Morocco

We were fortunate enough to be able to enter the palace grounds and see the main entrance of the palace (which, like all Royal residences, is closed to the public at all times).

Details of a column on the ceremonial entrance to Palais Royal (Royal Palace), Casablanca, Morocco.jpg

Bronze doors at the ceremonial entrance to Palais Royal (Royal Palace), Casablanca, Morocco

This palace is the second residence of the king, as he lives primarily in the political capital, Rabat (there are also royal palaces in other cities in Morocco). When visiting Casablanca, he stays here. He has hosted many important personalities in this palace, like his father Hassan II, who hosted Pope John Paul II in 1985 during his first visit to the Islamic country. The palace is an architectural gem sprawling across several acres. However, from the outside, other than the ceremonial entrance, you can unfortunately only see the concrete walls put up to protect the sovereign and his family.