Mnebhi Palace


The Mnebhi Palace or Menebhi Palace, also known by its French name Palais Mnebhi, is a historic early 20th-century palace in Fes el-Bali, the old medina of Fes, Morocco. It is notable for both its lavish architecture as well as for being the place where the 1912 Treaty of Fes was officially signed. It is located on Tala'a Seghira street, one of the main souq streets of the city.

History

The palace was built by Mehdi Mnebhi at the beginning of the 20th century. Mnebhi was the defense minister of Sultan Abdelaziz, who reigned between 1894 and 1908. In 1912, the palace hosted the signing of the Treaty of Fes which established French colonial rule over Morocco. It then served as the first residence of the French resident-general, Lyautey, before this function moved to the Dar al-Baida and Dar Batha palaces to the west. It later served as the first headquarters of the Istiqlal party in Morocco. Today it is used as a restaurant venue for tour groups.

Architecture

The palace is among the most lavishly decorated in Fes. It features a vast reception hall with a high wooden dome-like ceiling upheld by four columns, as well as a large wall fountain decorated with intricate zellij mosaic tiles. On the western and eastern sides of the hall are two other ornately decorated rooms.