Riads and History

Morocco is considered, concerning its architectural heritage, as being one of the richest in the Middle east. Indeed, this variety lies in the multitude of influences that the country has experienced throughout history. Thus, each region is characterized by its signature. And we wouldn’t be surprised if you fell in love with its riads and kasbahs!

Everyone agrees that Morocco is the crossroads of the Arab East and the Western Mediterranean, represented by Andalusia and that the different art forms of Arab-Muslim art find their full development in traditional architecture.  Moroccan architecture allows artists and craftsmen to create magnificent masterpieces. If the models of the city tend to invade the architecture of the countryside, the rural world has an artistic expression of its own.

Riads and decoration

A riad is a great way to see Morocco and get acquainted with its magnificent architecture on a more personal level, and you will find yourself charmed by the calm atmosphere amid the exceptional setting of the building and its garden. The Moroccan riads offer a decoration combining traditional craftsmanship, harmony, and luxury. It is made with different old elements of various architectures and often offers magnificent frescoes with Arabic geometric figures in zellige or ceramic… Today. This has made it possible to preserve them and introduce them to travelers. This is how, at the bend in the narrow streets of the old medina of Fez, the last of the small gates without any distinctive sign, amazed visitors discover real gems of architecture and craftsmanship, havens of peace and beauty, protected places and relaxation. Moroccan Riads comprise a large series of living quarters around a central courtyard which gives the building its name (“riad” is taken from the Arabic term for “garden”). There are two reasons for the interior layout: family privacy and weather protection. The central garden benefits from the shade of the surrounding walls and keeps the occupants cool during the extreme heat of the day.

The riads in Fez are greatly inspired by the traditional Arab-Andalusian habitats, Square or rectangular, it is arranged around a central patio with a fountain, a living room, or even a dining room. With one or two floors, this type of dwelling is spacious with visible columns forming a succession of galleries opening onto the patio. The patio, which is naturally cool and air-conditioned, takes its inspiration from Persian gardens, oases, and Islamic gardens. You can find trees and greenery there, but also water basins or refreshing fountains. This patio, located on the ground floor, is generally dedicated to the common areas where the living rooms, the dining room, and the kitchens are also located. As for the private spaces, which are the bedrooms, they are traditionally located upstairs. The roof of the riad is also arranged to accommodate a terrace on which a solarium is built with a panoramic view of the roofs of the other riads in the medina. Riads have very distinctive decorative styles. The focus is on function, with lots of tiles to keep the house cool, but these are often decorated with Arabic script from the Quran. Common elements of the garden include citrus trees and fountains to create a sense of calm. Moroccans take great pride in their interiors, and there is a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming, warm and welcoming home.

Why you should stay in a Riad?

Sometimes it’s hard to decide where to stay when you travel to a new destination, particularly when the accommodation is a bit different from what you are used to. Morocco is a land of wonder and intrigue. Morocco is a country that will excite any traveler from the alien spice markets in Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. The city of Fez is hidden in its interior and within that ancient city are the Riads, you just could not keep your eyes off this gorgeous architecture. You could have spent a whole week just shooting that great interior design, cozy cushions, gorgeous mosaics, and that oriental scent of incense sticks that makes you feel at home in a heartbeat. stunning palm-fringed plunge pools, relaxing spa, sculpted gorgeous rooms, and amazing homemade Moroccan food. Craftsmen of traditional architecture perpetuate traditions that date back, for the most part, to Moorish Spain. Far from giving in to standardization, traditional architectural art has managed to preserve its identity.

The different artistic forms of Arab-Muslim art find their full development in traditional Moroccan architecture. Indeed, the architecture allows artists and craftsmen to create magnificent masterpieces. If the models of the city tend to invade the architecture of the countryside, the rural world has an artistic expression of its own such as the blue houses of Chaouen,

The arrangement of zelliges, plaster, and wood gives the city residence an appearance of exuberant wealth. On the other hand, they give kasbahs and other rural lodgings a cheerfulness that contrasts with the austerity and simplicity of the materials used.

All this heritage is a great contribution to the tourist sector. Because beyond the sun and the beach, this is what foreign tourists are looking for in the first place… and even nationals.

It would be a great experience to go for a traditional accommodation that can give you an insight into the local history and way of life in Morocco. to have a better Holiday we provide convenient accommodation for you that suits your budget and your life style.