royal palace.

The Dar al-Makhzen is the royal palace of King Mohammed VI. Initially built by the Marinid Sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub in 1276, it has seen many renovations over dynasty changes and centuries, most taking place between the 17th and 20th centuries (the Alaouite era). Between 1969 and 1971, King Hassan I (the current King’s father) added a new grand square and ornate gates to the palace. The gates are decorated with elaborate mosaic tile work, and hand-carved cedar wood with massive bronze covered doors. They are stunning. The palace is not open to the public, but those massive doors and surrounding garden make for a great photo backdrop.