Riads are traditional houses. There is no way to know how elaborate the décor is until you step inside the main entrance as the outer walls are very plain. Riads can be found in the older part of cities such as Marrakesh. There are very few windows on the external walls so this gives the occupants a lot of privacy.
What are houses in Morocco called?
Simply put, a riad is a traditional Moroccan house. The term comes from the Arab word ‘ryad’ (meaning ‘garden’) but is applied to townhouses built around an inner courtyard or garden.
What is the architecture like in Morocco?
The Hispano-Moorish style features prominently the main components include sharp white walls, large domes and stucco roofs among arches. Blended with Islamic style buildings such as mosques and medersas (Quran schools) make for beautiful, unique and tasteful architecture.
What are Moroccan buildings made of?
In addition to rammed earth, brick and (especially in desert regions) mudbrick were also common types of materials for the construction of houses, civic architecture, and mosques. Many medieval minarets, for example, are made in brick, in many cases covered with other materials for decoration.
Do they have air conditioning in Morocco?
After a few summers I discovered a secret to staying cool in Marrakech summers. Air conditioners aren’t found everywhere, but it seems when there is one people want to turn it as high as possible. Instead, adjust the temperature to the 24-25C range and let it run.
Is Morocco a good country to live in?
Morocco is rising quickly as a top tourist destination worldwide and an even better place to live abroad in. Its political stability and safety set it apart from many of its neighbours, and yet it still offers a more-than-reasonable cost of living.
Can an unmarried couple stay in a hotel in Morocco?
Sexual contact between unmarried people is prohibited, under Article 490 of the Moroccan penal code. And as such, it is technically illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room.
What is Moroccan architecture called?
Moorish architecture, is a style within Islamic architecture which developed in the western Islamic world, which included al-Andalus (Muslim-ruled Spain and Portugal between 711 and 1492), and the Maghreb (now Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).
How are homes built in Morocco?
Berber (Amazigh) houses are environmentally friendly as the people use rocks and clay bricks which have been dried in the sun to build the houses. The houses are built into the side of the hill. They are built on different levels and each level is used for different activities.