Raïs Palace Travel Guide

The Raïs Palace, or Palais des Raïs (Bastion 23), is a classified historical monument in Algiers, Algeria, notable for its architecture and as the last surviving quarter (houma) of the lower Casbah. This complex, consisting of three palaces and six houses, began with the construction of Bordj-Ez-zoubia in 1576 by Dey Ramdhan Pasha to reinforce the Medina's defenses.Over time, it was known by various names, including Qaa El-Sour and Toubanet Arnaout, reflecting its defensive role. During the French colonial era, it was renamed Fort 23. The numbering of the palaces and fishermen's houses originated during this period. Palace 18, for instance, was built around 1750 by Raïs Mami Arnaout.After the French occupation in 1830, Palace 18 served various functions, including a residence for the Commander of Civil Engineering, a girls' boarding school, the United States Consulate Office, and a municipal library. The palace became home to Algerian families after independence until 1981 when the Ministry of Culture initiated restoration.The restoration, carried out by an Italian company in collaboration with Algerian experts, aimed to preserve the building's original architectural features. It reopened as a Center of Arts and Culture on November 1, 1994. Today, the Palais des Raïs hosts art and photographic exhibitions, and performing arts events, offering visitors a glimpse into Algiers' Ottoman-era grandeur. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.