“Having mastered the advent of gunpowder, the Serpent King has brought lasting peace to the region. While the Kingdom grows comfortable, however, a messenger arrives with troublesome news…”

The Citadel of the Serpent features a richly detailed grand foyer, a general’s office and meeting chamber for receiving important visitors, an alchemist’s workshop where the secrets of gunpowder are forged, and a mighty bombard tower to defend the fortress. From the domed towers to the patterned arches and shaded courtyards, every section draws from authentic Moroccan architectural traditions.

Modelled extensively on Moroccan design, the Citadel is a fortified stronghold that brings late-medieval North Africa to life in LEGO form. The primary inspiration for this build was the great arched doorway of the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, Morocco. I have always been drawn to Arabic architecture with its intricate archways, elegant colonnades, and elaborate reliefs. Combined with vibrant tile work and lush courtyards that provide welcome relief from the arid heat, it creates an architecturally striking style that was begging to be captured in LEGO form.

The Citadel of the Serpent is a follow-up to my popular LEGO Ideas project, the Medieval Moroccan Riad, and is designed so that it can sit harmoniously alongside the Riad or as a unique stand alone piece, unmistakably its own creation.

I hope you enjoy exploring this build as much as I enjoyed creating it.