Palais des Idrissides Review

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Palais des Idrissides

  • Address: 11, rue Kermouni, Meknes
  • Phone: 035/55-78-92

Fodor's Review:

Much more than a carpet emporium, this magnificent 14th-century palace built by the cult of the Idrissid dynasty is a treasury of art, artisanship, and architecture not to be missed. The proprietors will, in excellent English, French, Spanish, German, or just about any other language you prefer, deliver a memorable discourse on the house's architecture and craftsmanship before moving on to an eloquent and entertaining history and ethnographical portrait of Berber kilim and carpet creation. The unusual carved and inlaid ceilings of olive wood, rather than the customary cedar, are extraordinarily rich and ornate. The sloped floor, built for drainage, is made of Carrara marble, in exchange for which Morocco used to trade sugar. The large grandfather clocks were gifts of Louis XIV, allegedly bestowed on the sultan to ease Ismail's chagrin at the refusal of Louis's daughter, Princesse de Conti, to marry him. This carpet and kilim cooperative displays work from the 45 Berber tribes that have traditionally lived near Meknes, each with its own symbols and techniques. Be advised that it's a hard sell here, and if you go you will leave with a rug. The only way to save time is to capitulate immediately, though then you may pay more than necessary. The rug demo is fascinating, however, and it's worth the price of a rug.

  • Open: Daily 8-7
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