Dar Aziza

Dar Aziza is one of the finest Ottoman-era palaces of the Algiers Casbah, standing in the lower old town near the great Ketchaoua Mosque and the Place des Martyrs. Dating to the sixteenth century, it was originally a dependency of the vanished Jenina palace, the seat of the rulers of Algiers, and it survives as a rare and elegant witness to the city's Ottoman golden age.

The house follows the classic Algerois palace plan. Rooms rise around a light-filled central courtyard ringed by slender twisted columns and horseshoe arches, with galleries on the upper floors and walls faced in colourful ceramic tiles. Carved plaster, painted woodwork and finely worked marble reflect the wealth of the corsair capital at its height, when Algiers was a power feared across the Mediterranean.

Today the building serves a heritage role, having been used by the national agency responsible for conserving historic monuments, which has helped ensure its restoration. That gives visitors a chance to see the interior of a genuine Ottoman palace in a city where many such houses have been lost.

Its position makes it a key stop when exploring the lower Casbah, the steep, UNESCO-listed historic quarter that tumbles down toward the harbour. Close by stand the restored Ketchaoua Mosque and the neighbouring palace of Dar Hassan Pacha, so the three can be seen together on a short walk. Access can depend on current use, so it is worth checking locally or joining a guided tour of the Casbah. Come in the morning light to appreciate the tiled courtyard, dress modestly, and take time to admire the twisted columns and glazed tilework that define the Algerois style. As one of the best-preserved Ottoman residences in the city, Dar Aziza is a highlight of any visit to the historic heart of Algiers.