Great Mosque of Salé, Islamic prayer site in Salé, Morocco
The Great Mosque of Salé is a major religious structure in the old city and ranks among Morocco's largest mosques. The building is defined by nine characteristic arches that divide the interior space and shape its overall design.
The original structure was built in the early 11th century, later substantially rebuilt under the Almohad ruler Yaqub al-Mansur. This reconstruction shaped the building's current form and architectural character.
The mosque remains today the religious center of Salé's old city, where residents gather for daily prayers and community celebrations. People of all ages come together during prayer times and important Islamic holidays.
The building sits in the medina with separate prayer areas for men and women, with the main entrance from the east. Visitors should know that there are specific times when the building is not open for visits due to prayer times.
The building still shows marks from cannonballs during a French bombardment in the 19th century, visibly embedded in the walls. These physical scars tell the story of a turbulent period in the city's past and were preserved during major renovations.
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