Mahkama du Pacha - a sign on the street
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Mahkama du Pacha

4.1
·295 reviews·Casablanca, Morocco

A stunning Moorish-style government building in Casablanca, showcasing intricate mosaics, marble columns, and carved cedar ceilings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Potentially less occupied

CrowdLow
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Mahkama du Pacha - a sign on the street

Mahkama du Pacha

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Potentially less occupied

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Moorish-style government building in Casablanca, showcasing intricate mosaics, marble columns, and carved cedar ceilings.

4.1
(295 reviews)

"Fascinating architecture! Woodworking incredible! You will need a guide to visit this architectural masterpiece."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Hire a Local Taxi

A local taxi can help negotiate entry with security for a quick look. Tip generously!

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

Entry might require a fee negotiated with guards. Be discreet and respectful.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Cedar Ceilings

Intricate Cedar Ceilings

Interior

Marvel at the stunning carved cedar wood ceilings, a testament to incredible craftsmanship.

Mosaic Masterpieces

Mosaic Masterpieces

Interior

Be captivated by the vibrant and detailed mosaic tile work adorning the walls.

Elegant Marble Columns

Elegant Marble Columns

Interior

Admire the graceful white marble columns that define the building's grand interior spaces.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Mahkama du Pacha

Visiting Mahkama du Pacha requires advance planning as it's a functioning government building. While entry isn't guaranteed, some visitors report success by hiring a local taxi to negotiate with security for a brief look inside. Be prepared for potential fees and always maintain a respectful demeanor.

Understanding Entry Nuances

Entry to Mahkama du Pacha can be unpredictable. While some guidebooks suggest bribing guards, it's officially a guarded facility with no set visiting hours. Luck, timing (like visiting on a Sunday when it might be less occupied), or attending an event are often key factors for interior access.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Potentially less occupied
Crowd
Low
When
During official events
Why
Guaranteed access
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Mahkama du Pacha is a must-see in Casablanca. You will need a guide to visit this architectural masterpiece, so make your plans in advance.

🤝 Hire a Local Taxi

A local taxi can help negotiate entry with security for a quick look. Tip generously! Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

Entry might require a fee negotiated with guards. Be discreet and respectful. Reddit

🧐 Respectful Observation

It's a working government building. Be discreet and avoid disrupting workers. Reddit

📸 Exterior Views

If interior access is denied, the exterior architecture is still worth admiring. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Hire a Local Taxi

A local taxi can help negotiate entry with security for a quick look. Tip generously! Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

Entry might require a fee negotiated with guards. Be discreet and respectful. Reddit

🧐 Respectful Observation

It's a working government building. Be discreet and avoid disrupting workers. Reddit

📸 Exterior Views

If interior access is denied, the exterior architecture is still worth admiring. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(295 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mahkama du Pacha is lauded for its stunning Moorish architecture, particularly its intricate wood carvings, vibrant mosaics, and elegant marble columns. However, gaining entry can be a significant challenge as it's a working government building with no set visiting hours, often requiring negotiation with security and potentially a fee.

"Fascinating architecture! Woodworking incredible!

Tip- hire a local taxi to take you there. They should be able to work it out with the security for a quick look & pic or 2.

Give the taxi driver 50DH to give to security for their kindness, allowing you in for a quick look.

Be discreet, as it's a government working building. IE- try not to disrupt the workers.

Just be respectful & you'll be fine.
Enjoy."

Kevin

"In fact, the search settings set by Google will lead you to a dead end without entry. The real building is a guarded government facility. There is no information on visiting hours or whatsoever. The guidebooks emphasize that you can enter it by bribing a paramilitary guard when no one is in the building. It is legally impossible to enter this building (we asked the guard)."

Iuliia Frantseva

"This parliamentary and judicial building, which is also designated to host the most important ceremonies and official events, is one of the most important architectural landmarks in the city, and it is recommended to visit it during Casablanca tourism trips.

It may be difficult to enter the government building, which is still in use until this moment since 1952, after 4 years of construction. Because of the daily workflow and time, however, taking pictures of the building from the outside, where the elegant and elegant architectural design is really worth suffering during tourism tours in Casablanca, in the vicinity of the place.

If you are lucky enough to visit the building from the inside, you will definitely enjoy watching the white marble columns that distinguish its squares and the cedar wood ceilings that harmonize with their decorations of finely carved plaster and colorful mosaic pieces. ."

Yassine El Alaoui

What People Like

Incredible architecture
Intricate woodworking
Beautiful mosaics

What People Dislike

Difficult entry
Unpredictable access
Potential fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mahkama du Pacha is located in Casablanca. The best way to reach it is often by hiring a local taxi, as public transport routes might not be direct. Your taxi driver may also be able to assist with entry negotiations. Reddit

While it's a significant building, finding direct public access can be tricky as it's a guarded government facility. Relying on a taxi is often recommended. Reddit

Ride-sharing apps can be used to get to the vicinity of Mahkama du Pacha, but you may still need local knowledge or a taxi driver to navigate the specific access points and security. Reddit

Approach with respect. If you're lucky, you might find an open door or be able to arrange a visit through security, often facilitated by a local taxi driver. Reddit

Mahkama du Pacha is a prominent building, but its status as a government facility means it's not as widely advertised with tourist signage as other attractions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no official tickets or set visiting hours for Mahkama du Pacha as it's a functioning government building. Entry is often at the discretion of security personnel. Reddit

Mahkama du Pacha does not have public visiting hours. It operates as a government building, so access is not guaranteed and can be unpredictable. Reddit

Gaining entry can be challenging. Some visitors have succeeded by hiring a local taxi to negotiate with security, sometimes involving a small fee. Visiting on a Sunday or during an event might increase your chances. Reddit

While not an official fee, you might be asked for a payment by security to allow entry for a brief visit. This is not a set price and is subject to negotiation. Reddit

If entry is denied, appreciate the building's impressive exterior architecture. The facade itself is a significant example of Moorish design. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary depending on security and whether you are allowed inside. If permitted, be discreet and respectful of the working environment. Reddit

Yes, the exterior architecture is very photogenic. If you gain interior access, the mosaics, columns, and ceilings offer stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

Explore different angles from the surrounding streets to capture the grandeur of the building's facade and its Moorish design elements. Reddit

As a government building, photography might be restricted, especially inside. Always ask for permission if unsure. Reddit

A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the interior spaces and the exterior facade. A good smartphone camera is also sufficient for most shots. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History

Mahkama du Pacha is a prime example of Moorish architecture, characterized by intricate geometric patterns, horseshoe arches, and ornate decorative elements. Reddit

The construction of Mahkama du Pacha took four years and was completed in 1952. It has been a significant landmark since then. Reddit

It was designed as a parliamentary and judicial building, intended to host important ceremonies and official events, reflecting its grand design. Reddit

Key features include white marble columns, intricately carved cedar wood ceilings, colorful mosaic pieces, and finely carved plaster decorations. Reddit

Yes, Mahkama du Pacha remains a functioning government building, which is why access for visitors can be restricted. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Mahkama du Pacha offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning architectural details. The Moorish design provides ample opportunities for striking compositions, from the grand exterior facade to the intricate interior elements like mosaic tiles and carved cedar ceilings. If you manage to get inside, focus on capturing the scale of the marble columns and the detailed patterns. Remember to be discreet and respectful, especially if photography is not explicitly permitted. Even if interior access is denied, the exterior offers plenty of compelling angles and details to photograph. Reddit

🏛️ Architecture Aficionados

Architecture lovers will find Mahkama du Pacha a must-see, even if only from the outside. Its Moorish style is a significant example of this architectural tradition in Casablanca. The building's history as a parliamentary and judicial center adds to its significance. While interior access is challenging, understanding its purpose and appreciating the exterior design is rewarding. If you can arrange a visit, the intricate carvings, vibrant mosaics, and elegant columns offer a deep dive into the artistry of its construction. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Access to Mahkama du Pacha

Visiting Mahkama du Pacha presents a unique challenge as it's a fully operational government building, not a typical tourist attraction. Unlike many historical sites, there are no official visiting hours or ticket booths. This means entry is often a matter of luck, timing, and negotiation. Many visitors report that the most effective strategy is to hire a local taxi driver. These drivers often have established relationships or know how to approach security personnel to arrange a brief visit. Be prepared to offer a tip to the driver and potentially a small sum to the security guards as a gesture of goodwill. Reddit

It's crucial to approach the situation with respect and discretion. Remember that you are entering a place of official business. Avoid disrupting the daily workflow of the staff. Some travelers have found success by visiting on a Sunday, when the building might be less occupied. Alternatively, if there's an official event taking place, you might have an opportunity to enter. However, relying on these circumstances is not guaranteed. If you are denied entry, don't be discouraged; the exterior architecture is still a remarkable sight. Reddit

The Architectural Splendor Within

Should you be fortunate enough to gain entry, Mahkama du Pacha reveals itself as an architectural gem. The building is a stunning showcase of Moorish design, meticulously crafted with a focus on intricate details and luxurious materials. The white marble columns are a prominent feature, lending an air of grandeur and elegance to the interior spaces. These columns support the soaring ceilings, which are adorned with breathtaking carved cedar wood. The craftsmanship involved in these wooden elements is truly exceptional, showcasing traditional Moroccan artistry. Reddit

Complementing the woodwork are the vibrant mosaic tile pieces that decorate the walls, adding bursts of color and intricate geometric patterns. The interplay of light and shadow across these mosaics, combined with the detailed plaster carvings, creates a visually rich and immersive experience. The overall effect is one of opulence and refined beauty, making any interior visit a memorable encounter with Moroccan architectural heritage. Reddit

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