Indeed, from the late 17th century, public and private buildings began to include innovations in their architecture, decoration and ornamentation. The first elements of the Baroque style began to emerge, and local earthenware, stucco and sculpted wood traditions were abandoned in favour of Italian or Rococo decoration executed by foreign craftsmen.
Sumptuous houses were built in the most beautiful districts of the medina along with nearby country houses set in surrounding gardens.
Ornamentation differed from one palace to another, but the fascination for Carrara marble and imported ceramics became widespread during the 18th and 19th centuries: grand marble stairways, Italian painted wooden ceilings, Neapolitan tiles, Husaynid stuccowork and floral paining. Internal doors and window shutters were made of Italian sculpted panels.