Dar Cherifa, Art gallery and restaurant in Mouassine district, Marrakesh, Morocco
Dar Cherifa is an art gallery with a restaurant and bookstore housed in a restored mansion with intricate architectural details. The two-story building centers on a deep courtyard surrounded by twelve pillars arranged in groups of three, with ornate carved wooden beams and elaborate stucco decoration throughout.
The building dates to the late 16th century under Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib and ranks among the few surviving Saadian-era residences in Marrakesh. It was originally an aristocratic home and later converted for contemporary use.
The gallery features works by contemporary Moroccan artists whose pieces rotate throughout the seasons. The kitchen blends recipes from Berber, Jewish, and Andalusian-Arab traditions in dishes served daily.
Located near Mouassine Mosque in the historic medina, the space is best explored on foot at a relaxed pace. Arriving early or visiting on quieter afternoons helps you experience the rooms without feeling crowded.
Religious verses are carved into wooden lintels and stucco surfaces throughout the building, a mark of its former wealthy residents. These inscriptions reveal how owners once expressed devotion through decorative craftsmanship.
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