Marrakech - Riad El Mezouar

Located in one of the oldest parts of the Medina, a short walk from the Souk and the famous Jemaa el Fna Square, Riad El Mezouar is an 18th century palace than has been home to some of the most eminant Moroccan familes. The word Mezouar, means head of the family and this was the seat of the Alaoui Royal family who received King Mohamed V in the house in the 1940s.

The riad then passed to Moulay Idriss Sbai and to the descendants of Hammadi El Glaoui, caliph of Ouarzazate and brother of the Pacha of Marrakech. El Mezouar is one of the few riads in Marrakech to be built with four facades with arches and galleries on 2 floors. The elegance and harmony of the proportions make it a work of art in Arabic-Andalusian style. At the centre of the patio is a swimming pool, bordered with trees and plants. With its marble fountain and hand-crafted ceramic tiles, the swimming pool is reminiscent of the pools of the ancient Coranic schools.

Magnificent antique doors carved in cedar wood open to rooms that have maintained their original character. The riad has been decorated with elegance, silk fabrics, Chinese style furniture: The fine mixture of beautiful antiques and contemporary objects, tables in oriental style, engravings and porcelain china, all give a traditional, simple, but luxurious feel.