By Mohamed Hikal
By Mohamed Hikal
Rabat – Situated near Taroudant, 80 kilometers east of Agadir, Claudio Bravo Palace stands gloriously as another must-see wonder in Morocco.
Born November 8, 1936, in Chile, Claudio Bravo lived in Spain, Tangier, and Marrakech, for some time before he finally settled in Taroudant in 1972.
Claudio Bravo had a special love for Morocco and Taroudant in particular. He loved the city’s colors and people. They provided all the inspiration he needed as an artist fond of painting sceneries and portraits.
Bravo’s paintings have travelled the world to be exhibited in the US, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Philippines, Japan, and so many others.
Both Bravo’s sense of art and Moroccan craftsmen’s talent combined to bring his mansion into existence. The impressive mansion was Bravo’s home and studio where he spent his most enjoyable moments side by side with the nature he loved and cherished.
The palace has become a fabulous museum that attracts hundreds of tourists and visitors. The museum has added to Taroudant’s tourism potential. It is especially a popular destination for art and museum lovers.
The architecture, furniture, paintings, colors, and spirit of the unique artist all add an exceptional flavor to the city.
Bravo’s visit to Marrakech was behind his decision to make a copy of the breathtaking Menara gardens as part of his property.
In addition to the palace’s amazing gardens, silverware, and crystal objects, the palace boasts original Egyptian statues and Roman emperors’ busts.
Bravo died June 4, 2011, and was laid to rest in the mausoleum he had prepared beforehand. Just as he had lived surrounded by his works, his body rests among a collection of some of his loveliest paintings in his mausoleum.