El Mechouar Palace
قصر المشور
A Zayyanid-era palace-citadel, restored in Andalusian style in 2011. Its tiled courtyards and carved wooden doors are exquisite.
El Mechouar Palace was the royal palace and citadel of the Zayyanid sultans from the 12th to the 16th century, and its high walls enclose a court mosque. The palace was restored to its original appearance in 2011 for the 'Islamic Culture Capital' programme. Mosaics of coloured tiles, carved plaster, lattice wooden ceilings and courtyards with pools show the typical Andalusian-Maghrebi style. Exhibition halls inside tell the history of the dynasty. It lies in the old town centre, within walking distance of the Great Mosque. Admission is cheap, and it may be closed on Fridays.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–17:00; may close on Fridays
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Art and History of Tlemcen
- Sidi Bel Hassen Mosque
- Great Mosque of Tlemcen
- Museum of Islamic Archaeology
- Sidi El Haloui Mosque
- Grand Bassin (Sahridj Mbedgha)
- Agadir Mosque Minaret
- Lalla Setti Plateau & Cable Car