Palais du Baron d’Erlanger
Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia
Ministère de la Culture et de la Sauvegarde du Patrimoine
19th–20th centuries
The history of this monument cannot be separated from its creator's personality. The rich Orientalist painter and Arabic musicologist Baron d'Erlanger moved to Sidi Bou Said in 1911, where he built is palace. He dedicated his life to the preservation of Tunisia's architectural, artistic and musical heritage, and on his death in 1932 was buried in Sidi Bou Said. Notable examples of his work are his vital efforts towards the preservation of Sidi Bou Said, and his remarkable seven-volume work on Arabic music.
This palace is built on a hill overlooking the sea, and covers approximately 3,300 m2, occupying just a small portion of the 5-hectare grounds. Built between 1912 and 1922, the palace is notable for its interesting architecture, inspired by Tunisian traditions with elements of Andalusian, Venetian and Arab ornamentation. Behind its huge sea-facing façade, it is organised into three distinct sections. The two main square patios, on two separate floors, are connected by galleries, and all surround a covered central space. The décor consists of wall decorations, ceramic panels, carved stucco panels, stucco carved ceilings, golden or painted carved wooden ceilings, and more.
Saloua Khadhar Zangar "Palais du Baron d’Erlanger" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monuments;AWE;tn;15;en
Prepared by: Saloua Khadhar Zangar
Translation by: Flaminia Baldwin
MWNF Working Number: TN 015
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