DAR EL-MAKHZEN
Dar el-Makhzen Palace, now a museum, with a beautiful collection of Moroccan craftsmanship
This palace was built between 1684 and 1740 by the pasha Ahmed Errifi and his son Ali just after the departure of the English. It served as a residence for the sultan's representative, a court house and a treasury. The safe that housed the wealth collected from taxes is still visible. Its ingenious opening system requires the presence of at least two people. The patio in the central part of the building was used as a courtyard of honor, and has welcomed many personalities, including the painter Delacroix. It was here that diplomatic meetings were held. Only the rooms beneath the marble columns adorned with capitals can be visited. The harem rooms and small apartments are unfortunately not visible. However, the beautiful Moroccan faience and the superb Andalusian garden offer a glimpse of the palace's splendor. The Dar el-Makhzen palace is now a museum, thanks in no small part to the initiative of researcher Michaux-Bellaire. It boasts a fine collection of Moroccan handicrafts in wood, earthenware and fabric. Rooms are reserved exclusively for the richer crafts of Fez, but the museum also showcases the beauty and grace of Tetouan earthenware. This small museum also takes you on a journey through history, giving you a glimpse of Moroccan prehistory and a fine account of the different civilizations that have left their mark on the city: Greek, Roman, Phoenician, Berber and Arab.
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