what is a riad in morocco

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a garden on the inside, specifically known for its enclosed garden and courtyard. The term comes from the Arabic word "ryad," meaning "garden," but is applied to townhouses. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers, and they are a part of traveling to Morocco. The building is shaped like a rectangle with different rooms on each side, and it has multiple stories centered around an open-air courtyard with a fountain. The courtyard acts as a sanctuary and respite from the outside world, and it is commonly adorned with beautiful tile work, plants, and water features. Riads are known for being exquisite displays of intricate Moroccan architecture, and they are often characterized by rose petals and romantic corners. The colorful tiles and indoor gardens, perfumed with jasmine and orange blossom, were traditionally places of cool refuge, where the women of the house did most of their socializing. Nowadays, a "riad" is any house in the medina with a central courtyard that welcomes travelers, regardless of the size of its courtyard or how beautiful it is.