Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya

If you appreciate great architecture and cultural designs, you should not miss the exquisite Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya, which features magnificent Moorish architecture that will take your breath away. Also known as Astaka Morocco, this spectacular monument, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a scenic lake, was built to signify strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Morocco.

With a built-up area of 18,000 square feet, the Moroccan Pavilion took two years to complete. Its design portrays the beauty of Moroccan architecture intertwining with Islamic culture and heritage. The materials were imported from Morocco, and skilled Moroccan artisans were also brought in to maintain the cultural authenticity. Visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the heart of Africa.

Replicating the distinctive features of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities, the colourful and artsy mosaic arrangements of the pavilion along with every touchable surface of the building are embellished with intricate carvings of geometrical patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and rhythmic patterns of arabesque design.

Visitors will find four different galleries here, with each having distinctive features that resemble Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. The spaces within the pavilion are studiously designed to be unique as no two rooms are the same. These spectacular sights are complemented with a slight scent of cedarwood, which were used to build the doors, wall panelling, and some furniture placed around the pavilion.

The Moroccan Pavilion also exhibits a gorgeous set of pools and fountains adorned with colourful geometric patterned tiles that lead to the majestic entrance arches.

This remarkable construction certainly worth the fee (RM3 for adult; RM1 for student) that visitors have to pay in order to see the galleries and the inner courtyards. You can get a ticket at the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre, which is nearby the pavilion.

How to get there

The Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya is located in the Putrajaya Botanical Garden. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur and using public transport, you can take the KLIA Transit train from KL Sentral to Putrajaya Sentral, and then take a taxi or the Nadi Putra bus to the Botanical Garden