If you ever visit Morocco, you definitely want to spend at least one or two nights in a Riad or a Dar to experience authentic Morocco, but what is the difference between them?

Riads (or ryads) and Dars (houses) are traditional Moroccan family houses found in the medinas (old walled centers) of the major towns and cities, like Marrakech, Essaouira, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez. Building upwards, rather than outwards, let families enjoy more living space in areas where land was scarce or at a premium. In addition, as riads have no exterior windows at ground level, properties could be built adjoining each other on up to three sides. This is a significant reason why the medinas are often a web of interconnected buildings and narrow passageways.

The lower floor typically has three long and narrow rooms opening onto the garden. Rooms may have doors or curtains, though it is usual for at least one such space to be open, providing an extended area for relaxing and entertaining visitors. Upper levels have more rooms that lead onto the inner balconies. Some rooms have internal windows with shutters and ornamental metalwork. High ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness.

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers and Moroccan enthusiasts, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the theme of the image, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.