Habous (The New Medina)

Habous, also known as the New Medina, is one of Casablanca’s most distinctive planned neighborhoods. Built by the French during the 1930s, the district combines colonial urban planning with traditional Moroccan forms, creating a quarter of arcades, courtyards, small squares, riad-inspired façades, and orderly souk streets. The result is a calmer and more legible alternative to the Old Medina, while still preserving a strong craft and market atmosphere. Habous is especially known for traditional shops selling leather goods, slippers, ceramics, spices, books, pastries, and everyday Moroccan products. The neighborhood’s cafés and patisseries make it a natural stop for travelers who want a slower rhythm and a more local shopping experience. Nearby, the Royal Palace area and the Mahkama du Pacha add architectural weight to the district. The Mahkama du Pacha is widely described as a traditional Moroccan courthouse and administrative building, admired for Moorish-style arches, carved cedar ceilings, stonework, and intricate decoration. The atmosphere in Habous is refined, orderly, and accessible, making it a strong choice for visitors who want traditional aesthetics without the intensity of larger souks. It is also a convenient district for photography, food stops, and half-day cultural walks south of Casablanca’s main center.