Dar Glaoui (Glaoui Palace), Fes

The Glaoui Palace, nestled within the labyrinthine alleys of the medina, stands as a testament to Morocco's past opulence. Once the second home of the famous Pasha of Marrakesh, who held sway over much of southern Morocco, this late-19th-century mansion has seen better days since Morocco's independence in 1956.

Despite its current state of disrepair, the palace still exudes an air of mystique and grandeur. Visitors can catch glimpses of its former splendor in the intricate cedarwood doors, elaborate stucco work, tiled salons, and carved wooden balconies that adorn the courtyards. The estate, sprawling across 17 buildings and two gardens, boasted a range of facilities including ornate salons, a vast kitchen, a Koranic school, garages, stables, a harem, and a hammam.

Guided by Abdou, an artist and one of the remaining family members, or his sister, visitors have the opportunity to explore some of the palace's hidden treasures.