"la Mosquée de Paris" Mosquée de Paris Tip by MM212

Inspired by Moorish architecture of Andalusia and the Maghreb, the Grand Mosque of Paris was inaugurated in 1926. The idea of building such a mosque in the City of Light had been pursued since the late 19th century, but it was not until the end of World War I that it was approved in part to honour the deaths of some 70,000-100,000 Moslems who fought for France during the war. The architecture of the mosque is stunning and seems to blend in with its surroundings despite being a transplant from North Africa, from which most of the materials to build the mosque and artisans who decorated it came. The monumental entrance of the mosque resembles Bab Agnaou in Marrakech and its minaret also echoes the minarets of Marrakech or even la Giralda in Seville, whereas its central courtyard could easily be imagined at la Alhambra in Granada. The Mosque of Paris is complete with a café/restaurant that serves Moroccan delicacies, an Arab Hammam, and a madrassa.

Address: 6, rue Georges-Desplas - Paris 5e
Directions: Metro Line 7 : Jussieu