About Église Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes de Casablanca (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes) in Casablanca, Morocco:
This church was built in 1954 by architect Achille Dangleterre and engineer Gaston Zi. It’s one of the city’s most notable examples of mid-20th-century modernist architecture, standing out amid Casablanca’s mix of Art Deco, colonial, and contemporary styles and expansive glasswork of world-famous stained glass artist Gabriel Loire that covers the interior walls.
Built in 1954, and completed around 1956 during the later years of the French Protectorate, the church was designed by French architect Achille Dangleterre (sometimes spelled D’Angleterre) and engineer Gaston Zimmer. It’s the second major Catholic church in Casablanca after the former Église du Sacré-Cœur (now deconsecrated and repurposed).
The structure serves the local Catholic community—mostly expatriates, diplomats, and Moroccan Christians—with regular Masses (often in French, with some in other languages).
The exterior features a bold, angular concrete facade with a distinctive elongated, trapezoidal tower topped by a simple cross. Its clean lines, raw béton brut (exposed concrete), and geometric forms reflect post-war modernist influences, creating a monumental yet understated presence overlooking the Rond-point de l’Europe (also called Mers Sultan Roundabout) at the corner of Avenue Mers Sultan and Boulevard Mohammed Zerktouni.alamy.com
The interior is dominated by massive, vibrant stained-glass windows covering large wall sections. These were created by renowned French artist Gabriel Loire and depict biblical scenes, including themes related to Our Lady of Lourdes.
The high, vaulted nave with its wooden accents and minimalist altar adds to the serene, contemplative feel. Visitors praise it as a peaceful escape from bustling Casablanca, and it occasionally hosts concerts or cultural events (check the church’s Facebook page for updates).
In the courtyard is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto.
Traveling to Église Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes de Casablanca (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes) in Casablanca, Morocco:
The church is located near Parc de la Ligue Arabe in central Casablanca.