What is a Riad? Why this houses are called like this?
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses located inside old city districts. After being abandoned by rich families a couple of centuries ago while moving to other major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca or Rabat, Riads gained life again when bought by rich Moroccan families or European travelers and investors, and being restored and used as private houses in the late 1970′s.
Riads are not located in the new part of the cities. The old parts of the cities in Morocco are called Medina’s and the newer districts are called “Ville Nouvelle” which were mainly built during the French Rule. The Treaty of Fez signed on 1912 made Morocco a protectorate of France until 1956.
Take the Tour, Learn About Marrakech Riads
- Arab cities are called Medina’s;
- Inside the old Medina of Marrakesh, tiny streets hide amazing houses;
- Riads are typically separated into ground floor, 1st floor, terrace.
What is a Riad?
The subject “What is a Riad” comes to many people’s mind and in fact, many people wonder its origin. The word Riad comes from the Arabian term for garden, “ryad”.
Throughout history Moroccan architecture suffered several external influences, and the architectural concept of Riads seem to come all the way from ancient Roman times and end up being an adaption and modification of the Roman villa. A villa was originally a Roman main residence of many wealthy citizens.
Riads are usually a few stories high, having the main ground floor with a patio and a fountain.
The middle level hold the suites having window view to the lower patio “cloister type” and the upper level holds a terrace usually overseeing the city skyline.
Today, most Riads are used as private guest houses offering exceptional service in truly amazing buildings re-decorated and re-built in a traditional way.
Riads are the perfect escape to bigger hotels and suitable for people that search authenticity and privacy as most Riads offer a very limited number of rooms. Finding a House in Morocco or a Riad in Marrakech can be a big adventure as you have a extensive list of superb offers for Accommodation in Marrakech.
This website gives you an easy insight and selection of the best Riads in Morocco.
Photo: Room at Riad Mur Akush Marrakesh Morocco.
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