What if your walls told a thousand years of history? In Morocco, architecture isn’t just functional, it’s vibrant.
Morocco is a subtle blend of tradition, know-how and art of living. Today, I’d like to take you on a trip of discovery of its distinctive architecture, a blend of ancient heritage and Andalusian influences.
I was fascinated by this multi-faceted destination, focused on the art of living and a subtle decoration full of character.
Pre-Islamic influences
During the 7th century, Moroccans lived in two different types of housing. There were the fortified pisé villages of the plains and the troglodytic dwellings of the Atlas and Rif regions. Pisé is a mixture of local clay and straw. With this mixture, they made bricks which they dried in the sun. Being an excellent insulator, it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Troglodytic houses are dwellings dug into the mountains or rocks.
These dwellings are often grouped together, forming defensive walls and enclosures known as Ksour or Kasbahs.
Interior spaces are generally small, with a central water source. Color palettes varied between ochre, beige and orange-brown, with no contrasts. At the time, the influences were mainly Roman.
The enrichment of Moroccan architecture during the Islamic Golden Age
Since the 13th century, Moroccan architecture has been enriched by decorative techniques based on local know-how. There’s a lot of Zellige. Zellige is a mosaic of small glazed tiles laid by hand. Artisans cut and assemble each piece to form complex geometric patterns.
It’s a unique form of craftsmanship that epitomizes Moroccan beauty and refinement. It can still be found on site today.
The new architecture features openwork stucco, a finely sculpted plaster coating used for friezes. Cedar wood is also present, often used for ceilings or carved doors. It adds a warm, elegant touch with its natural amber hue and floral motifs. The color palette expands with cobalt blue and emerald green, symbolizing purity and paradise. Pure white brings light and highlights the relief. Finally, touches of yellow and black highlight certain motifs.
14th-century beauty through architecture
During the Renaissance, architecture was at the height of its glory, thanks to the Merinid and Saadian dynasties. Zellige was still present, but in a multitude of colors. Carved cedar wood and gilded stucco were also used. A new material is used, tadelakt. It’s a coating used in hammams and fountains. It leaves a satin finish that is very pleasing to the eye. The color range expands with Majorelle blue, a deep, intense blue, as well as red, dark ochre, ivory and gold. However, most Moroccan homes are orange-red. It’s not for nothing that Marrakech is known as the “Red City”.
Morocco’s powerful crafts during the colonial era
European influences greatly changed Moroccan habits in the 19th century. Materials came from Europe. Reinforced concrete, wrought iron, industrial bricks, mechanical tiles, hexagonal tiling and colored hydraulic cement are commonplace. These materials may seem less glamorous, but thanks to their creativity and know-how, their craftsmanship and specialties can be identified.
Villas with large gardens and terraces were also common during this period. Facades became increasingly symmetrical. The Art Deco influence became more pronounced. New colors arrived in architecture, such as soft pastels, powder pink, light yellow and mint green. Shades of grey play an essential role in creating contrasts.
Today, all the way to Les Demoiselles à Versailles
For a thousand years, the Riad has been the traditional dwelling. It’s a charming dwelling, and still a strong symbol of Moroccan architecture. The Riad is a square-shaped house with a patio in the center. Today, they are generally two-storey with interior balconies. Patios are getting bigger and bigger. They host a beautiful garden, with fruit trees such as citrus or palm, and a fountain. Today, they are considered luxurious, and belong to luxury hotels and concierge services. However, the Riad still embodies Moroccan intimacy and hospitality.
In fact, among Moroccans, hospitality is an important value, as are family and honor. I noticed this when I was in Marrakech. They are also very grateful, and they know how to say thank you.
At Les Demoiselles à Versailles concierge service, you’ll find all these values in each of our residences.
We offer several sumptuous villas and authentic palaces, carefully selected and personally validated by the house’s creator.
Each location has been designed to offer you an exceptional experience, combining Moroccan and French elegance. To make your stay unforgettable, each vacation rental offers top-of-the-range services.
Travelling with us is more than just discovering a place: it’s experiencing a break between refinement, comfort and the art of living.
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