Essaada Palace, Palace and listed monument in La Marsa, Tunisia
Essaada Palace is a building in La Marsa that combines French, Italian, and Spanish-Moorish architectural styles throughout its spaces. The rooms display this blend in both interior and exterior design, with details that bring together different building traditions.
Naceur Bey commissioned this palace for his wife Lalla Kmar, who owned it until her death in 1942. After that time, the building served various official purposes and played a role in early independent Tunisia's history.
The palace temporarily served as a residence for Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba before he relocated to the presidential palace in Carthage.
The building now serves as the municipal headquarters of La Marsa and can be visited with prior arrangement. Visitors should contact the local administration to arrange access to the interior spaces and learn about the building.
Queen Elizabeth II stayed here during her visit to Tunisia when the building operated as a state residence for high-level guests. This episode shows the international importance this place held in Mediterranean diplomacy.
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