The Abdelhafid Palace or Moulay Hafid Palace is a historic structure at 23, rue Mohammed Ben Abedelouhab in the Hasnouna neighborhood of Tangier, Morocco. It was built in 1912–1913 as the intended main residence of former Sultan Abdelhafid following his abdication, but was never used for that purpose. In 1927, it was purchased by Italy and subsequently renamed Palazzo Littorio, hosting various public institutions including schools and a hospital. In 1943 the Badoglio government had it renamed Casa d'Italia, and a few years later it became known as the Palace of the Italian Institutions. Even though it still houses various Italian-related activities and was renovated in the early 2000s, it has long remained underutilized.
South façade at night
Side view of the palace with main entrance
Abd al-Hafid of Morocco or Moulay Abdelhafid was the Sultan of Morocco from 1908 to 1912 and a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. His younger brother, Abdelaziz of Morocco, preceded him. While Mulai Abdelhafid initially opposed his brother for giving some concessions to foreign powers, he himself became increasingly backed by the French and finally signed the protectorate treaty giving de facto control of the country to France.
Portrait taken by J. Giry and given as a gift to Ridder van Rappard, special envoy of the Netherlands, on 13 February 1913
An illustration of Abd al-Hafid signing his act of abdication, on the front page of Le Petit Journal's weekly Supplément illustré, printed 25 August 1912.
Muhammad al-Muqri, Charles Émile Moinier [fr], Sultan Abd al-Hafid of Morocco, and Si Kaddour Benghabrit, 8 August 1912
Abdelhafid with Abdelqader Ben Ghabrit in Marseille after his abdication 1912