Laid out in 1920 by Joseph Marrast, United Nations Place is an elegant example of urban planning. A slew of bank headquarters and office blocks are offset by a striking central fountain and neat flowering gardens. Travelers may explore the square as part of a half-day, full-day, and multi-day private or group sightseeing tours of Casablanca incorporating Casablanca’s most noteworthy attractions including tropical gardens, souks, and essential sites like Mohammed V Square, the Royal Palace, and the seaside Ain Diab Corniche.
United Nations Place is located at the southern point of the Old Medina. The easiest way to reach the square is by taxi. There are two types and both are budget-friendly. The small red taxis are private and metered, while the larger white taxis are car-shares taking up to four passengers. If coming from Mohamed V Square, take the tramway.
United Nations Place is best visited during the day, to enjoy the gardens and the hustle of the city. Casablanca can be quite hot year-round, though cool breezes come with the Canary Current off the Atlantic Ocean. Come in July for the city’s most outstanding events (Festival de Casablanca and the Feast of the Throne) or during the spring for Ramadan to experience an array of cultural activities and festivals.
Take a quick stroll down Mohamed Zerktouni Boulevard to this gigantic 1950s bare concrete church, Notre Dame de Lourdes, one of two Catholic churches in Casablanca. The stark exterior belies that audacious color inside, of the spectacular stained glass windows. Created by Gabriel Loire, a famous master glass blower from Chartres, France, the aisle walls of glass representing different images of the Virgin Mary and offset by gorgeous wood paneling of the choir.