Palais Lamrani à Marrakech

Later, in a bid to support Andalusian Islam, threatened by the territorial conquests of the Christian kings, the Almoravids established an empire stretching from Spain to Mali, including Mauritania. Captivated by the refinement of Andalusian art, they adopted the Hispano-Moorish style of cities such as Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. The rooms “L’Africaine” and “Le Ryad” pay homage to these two cultures that have shaped Marrakech over the centuries.

It was also during this period that major irrigation works were undertaken, including the creation of the “khettaras,” a complex network of underground water channels extending over two thousand kilometers, fed by wells distributing water throughout Marrakech. This abundance of water enabled the development of a palm grove as well as the construction of fountains, mosques, public baths, and palaces adorned with gardens. In the medina, the Moroccan “palace-riad” is an enclosed, secret world, a private enclave within the unique fabric of the “derb.” Palais Lamrani follows this tradition, reserving its charms for its privileged guests.

It was at the beginning of the 20th century that the palace acquired the name “Lamrani,” after the Moroccan family of high-ranking officials who resided there. At that time, the residence was even more expansive, featuring a carriage courtyard. Regency and Victorian styles mingled with Syrian and Moroccan furniture, golden mirrors reflecting the glow of crystal chandeliers, while Persian carpets and exquisite metalwork testified to the refinement of a bygone era.

Beyond its furnishings, Palais Lamrani in Marrakech has preserved two magnificent copper canopy beds from that period, their markings revealing English origin. A symbol of prestige, the master of the house would seat his distinguished guests upon them. Today, these beds are the centerpiece of the “La Sultane” and “Le Harem” rooms.

Despite undergoing several restorations, Palais Lamrani has remained true to its original character. Cedar ceilings and decorative behous have been preserved intact. Ornamental zouakqs and gebs, deemed in good condition, were left untouched. The “Le Pacha” and “L’Orientale” rooms have been created within the former douirias, while the kitchen still houses its large metal stove, a reminder of past banquets.

The garden, the palace’s true centerpiece, embodies in Islamic culture a terrestrial image of paradise. Inherited from Andalusian tradition, the concept of the “riad” refers to an enclosed garden divided into four sections, with a fountain at its center. A place of beauty and serenity, it offers scents, colors, and the gentle sound of water — a foretaste of paradise.