Ennejma Ezzahra, Neo-Moorish palace in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia.
Ennejma Ezzahra is a Neo-Moorish palace in Sidi Bou Said that blends European and Arab-Islamic design. Its rooms display detailed tile patterns, carved plaster, wooden panels, and arcades overlooking the sea.
A European baron built this palace between 1912 and 1922, creating a residence that merged two cultures. The building arose during a period when the region was experiencing significant cultural and artistic activity.
The musical center inside preserves instruments and manuscripts that reflect the region's sound heritage. You can explore how traditional musicians created their work and discover different styles that developed across Tunisia.
Weekday visits work best since the building operates as a museum for visitors during the week. Guided tours in several languages help you understand the architectural details and collections more fully.
The palace holds a sound archive with recordings of traditional Tunisian music that you can access online. This collection is a rare resource for studying regional musical styles.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.