Mahkama of Pacha

Description

Picture yourself standing before one of Casablanca’s most jaw-dropping architectural masterpieces – the Mahkama du Pacha. Built in the 1940s, this stunning government building perfectly blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with grandiose Moorish design. Y’know, it’s funny – when I first visited, I actually thought it was centuries older because of its classical Islamic architecture and intricate details.

The building serves as both a courthouse and a reception hall, but trust me, it’s so much more than just another administrative building. The artistry here will absolutely take your breath away. Every time I walk through these halls, I discover new details I hadn’t noticed before.

Key Features

• Spectacular carved cedar wood ceilings that’ll make your neck hurt from looking up so much – but in the best way possible!
• Delicate zellige tilework covering the walls in mesmerizing geometric patterns
• Elegant marble columns that seem to stretch forever upward
• Traditional Moroccan fountains that create the most peaceful atmosphere
• Over 60 rooms decorated with mind-blowing handicraft details
• Stunning central courtyard that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time
• Magnificent horseshoe arches adorned with Arabic calligraphy
• Ornate stucco work that’ll have you reaching for your camera every few steps

Best Time to Visit

From my experience visiting multiple times throughout the year, the sweet spot for exploring the Mahkama du Pacha is between March and May or September through November. The weather’s just perfect then – not too hot, not too cold. But here’s a pro tip: try to arrive early in the morning, around 9 AM. That’s when the light streams through the windows just right, making those intricate details pop even more dramatically.

Avoid visiting during summer afternoons when the heat can be pretty intense. Also, since it’s still a functioning government building, you’ll want to plan around working hours and avoid Fridays when activities might be limited due to prayers.

How to Get There

Getting to the Mahkama du Pacha is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re staying in central Casablanca. The easiest way is to grab a petit taxi – that’s what the red cars are called here. Just make sure the driver turns on the meter! If you’re feeling adventurous like I was on my first visit, you can take the tram to the nearest station and walk about 10 minutes.

For those who prefer ride-sharing apps, they work great in Casa (that’s what locals call Casablanca). The building is in the Habous Quarter, which any driver will know. And honestly, half the fun is walking through this historic neighborhood to reach the building!

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s the deal – since this is an active government building, there are some things you really need to know before visiting. First off, you’ll need to arrange your visit in advance. I learned this the hard way when I first showed up without planning ahead!

Dress respectfully – this means covering your shoulders and knees. Ladies, I’d recommend bringing a light scarf, just in case. The guards appreciate visitors who show respect for local customs.

Photography is allowed in most areas, but always ask permission first. Some rooms might be off-limits depending on what’s happening that day. Oh, and bring some cash for tips – it’s customary if you have a guide showing you around.

The tours usually last about an hour, but I’d suggest blocking out 90 minutes to really soak everything in. Trust me, you’ll want the extra time to admire all those incredible details. And don’t forget to peek into the courtyard – it’s usually the highlight for most visitors, including myself!

One last thing – combine your visit with exploring the Habous Quarter. The whole area is full of traditional markets and architecture that’ll give you a deeper appreciation of Moroccan culture. I always tell my friends to make a half-day of it!

Location

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