A riad is a traditional Moroccan house, particularly known for its interior garden and courtyard, square or rectangular shape, they were once the homes of rich merchants and traders, they constitute the very essence of Moroccan architecture, visible columns forming a succession of galleries open onto the patio.
The word ” Riad ” or ” Ryad ” is derived from the Arabic word ” رياض ” which means “ garden “ "Dar" is a traditional house.
The riads became very popular, tourism in Morocco has developed to discover a traditional Moroccan way of life.
It is built around a courtyard, open to the sky, a fountain marks the middle of the garden, plants and flowers which brings a lot of charm to the house.
The decoration of buildings uses noble materials, wood, mosaic called zellige, wrought iron, taddelakt, terracotta for floors, called bejemat, carved plaster.
Privacy is respected, the riad has practically no window outside and life focuses on the inside. The walls are thick, windows and doors overlooking the courtyard, to keep as much as possible the coolness of the rooms in summer or heat in winter.
They are mostly interlocked with each other, the height of the buildings is not high, small streets constituted as a labyrinth push us to discover the different districts of the medina recognized as heritage protected by UNESCO. It is very tempting to push a door to let the magic settle and discover the jewels of Morocco.
The riad Les Orangers d'Alilia is located in the Kasbah, the oldest district of the medina founded in the 12th century, founded by the Almohads is a fortress within the red city. Its majestic ramparts protect the medina to give way to a Moroccan life of traditions.
