Fez– Casablancans now have a rare glimpse into the city’s prehistoric past with the official opening of the Sidi Abderrahmane Archaeological Park.

The launch event featured an immersive “Nostalgia” drone show, part of a nationwide heritage tour showcasing Morocco’s cultural treasures through cutting-edge technology.

Situated on a once-isolated limestone outcrop along Casablanca’s Atlantic coast, the park opened its gates on July 16. This marks the first time the site — renowned for its early Stone Age caves — has been accessible to the public, adding a significant cultural attraction to Morocco’s economic capital.

Regional Culture Director, Hafida Khouyi, described the park as “a point of pride for Casablanca-Settat,” highlighting its importance in preserving an essential prehistoric era.

She added that the venue aims to become “a space for learning, discovery, and intergenerational transmission” for history enthusiasts.

Wednesday’s opening also marked the Casablanca stop of “Nostalgia — les émotions d’antan,” a traveling multimedia show that launched in Fez earlier this year and later dazzled crowds in Rabat.

Hundreds of synchronized drones lit up the night sky with images of ancient landmarks and extinct megafauna, enthralling a crowd that included regional council president Abdellatif Maâzouz, acting Culture Secretary-General Salah-Eddine Abkari, and Casablanca Events & Animation head Mohamed Jouahri.

Running nightly through July 20, the show fuses 3D storytelling, music, and light projections to retrace the story of “Casablanca before us.”

Organizers aim to bring the production to Agadir later this summer as part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader plan to promote archaeological heritage across the country.

Perched atop a coastal promontory once cut off by the tide, Sidi Abderrahmane’s caves have yielded Acheulean hand‑axes and fossilized fauna dating back over 700,000 years. Sidi Abderrahmane’s ancient coastal caves, once tide-dependent, are an archaeological and paleontological marvel.

Excavations at Sidi Abderrahmane have yielded significant Acheulean hand-axes and fossilized fauna, offering a 700,000-year snapshot of life.

These finds illuminate prehistoric human activity, early tool-making, ancient migration patterns, and ancient biodiversity, making Sidi Abderrahmane crucial for understanding deep human history and North Africa’s natural world.

Moroccan archaeologists have studied the enclave since the 1920s, but until now, only researchers could enter the protected zone.

Casablanca’s 1.5-hectare Sidi Abderrahmane Archaeological Park is now open, blending history with natural beauty. Elevated walkways protect fragile archaeological layers, allowing respectful exploration.

A state-of-the-art interpretation center offers in-depth information about the site’s significance. Panoramic decks provide stunning Atlantic Ocean views, balancing history with the natural environment.

The park is a vibrant new public space, enriching Casablanca’s cultural landscape for locals and tourists alike.

Information panels, which are available in Arabic, French, and English, explain the site’s role in North Africa’s prehistoric trade routes and its integration into Casablanca’s modern urban fabric.

Authorities hope the project will boost cultural tourism and inspire similar initiatives across Morocco. The opening aligns with the government’s broader efforts to digitize site inventories, develop archaeological e‑maps, and elevate heritage to a pillar of the national economy.

The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with tickets priced at MAD 30 (about USD 3). Organizers mention that the entry to the “Nostalgia” evening show is free but requires advance online reservation.