Arts and culture in Morocco: imperial cities

Arts and culture

Dar-Batha Museum in FezThis museum is located in a Hispano-Moorish palace dating back to the end of the 19th century, and houses collections of traditional art from Fez. © Vivianne Riviere

Hispano-moresque art appeared in the 11th century under the Almoravid Dynasty, as they had Andalusia under their rule. It is also the result of oriental influences introduced by the Arabs in the 8th century. It is based on three main elements: the arabesque, the Koranic verse scripture and the octagonal geometric pattern: they compose the heavy refinement of interiors deliberately hidden behind austere walls.