El Glaoui Palace, Fez, Aristocratic palace in Medina district, Fez, Morocco.
El Glaoui Palace is an aristocratic residence in Fez's medina featuring a central courtyard with a rectangular pool at its heart. Rooms surrounding this courtyard display zellige tilework and carved wooden elements throughout their walls and ceilings.
The palace was built in the early 1900s after Madani Glaoui gained prominence by supporting Sultan Abd al-Hafid during a period of political change. His wealth and influence shaped his role as an important property owner and patron of craftsmanship in the city.
The palace displays traditional Moroccan craftsmanship through intricate zellige tilework and hand-carved wooden ceilings visible throughout its rooms. These techniques reflect the skill of local artisans and remain central to how the building appears today.
The palace sits on a quiet street outside the crowded medina and is straightforward to locate. Plan enough time to take in the decorative details across the different rooms without feeling rushed.
The palace was among the first places in Morocco to have electric lighting and heating systems installed, making it ahead of its time. These modern conveniences were extraordinarily rare in private homes back then.
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