The story of Hassan II Mosque

King Hassan II said he wanted to build this mosque on the water, because God's throne is on the water. The result stands on a promontory over the Atlantic, partly on land and partly over the ocean, on a platform linking a rock outcrop reclaimed from the sea. Completed in 1993 and designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, it is the second largest mosque in Africa.

Its minaret, 210 metres high, is the world's second tallest, and a laser at the top directs its light towards Mecca. Up to 25,000 worshippers can pray inside the hall and another 80,000 outside. Work began on 12 July 1986; at the busiest stage 1400 men worked by day and 1100 by night, and 10,000 artists and craftsmen helped to build and decorate it.

Much of the money came from public subscription: twelve million people donated. Admire the handcrafted marble walls and carved wooden ceilings, and remember that the roof can open.