El Badi Palace Guide
Echoes of Grandeur: Discover the Ruins of El Badi Palace Guide
Step back in time and imagine the opulence of a bygone era at the El Badi Palace, a ruined palace in Marrakech. While only remnants of its former glory remain, the vast courtyard, towering walls, and intricate mosaics hint at the palace's once magnificent scale. Exploring El Badi Palace offers a unique opportunity to connect with Moroccan history and appreciate the architectural vision of the Saadian dynasty. El Badi Palace, meaning "the incomparable," was commissioned by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty in the late 16th century. It was built to commemorate the victory over the Portuguese at the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578. The palace was renowned for its lavish decorations, including Italian marble, Sudanese gold, and Indian onyx. However, after the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail stripped the palace of its treasures and materials to build his own palace in Meknes. Today, visitors can wander through the expansive courtyard, explore the remaining walls and towers, and admire the restored mosaics. The palace also houses a small museum displaying artifacts found during archaeological excavations. Storks often nest on the palace walls, adding to the atmosphere. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to the palace, its location near the Mellah (Jewish quarter) offers opportunities to explore the unique culinary influences of that community.
Transportation
El Badi Palace is located in the medina and is easily accessible on foot from Djemaa el-Fna square. Taxis can also drop you off nearby.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ticket Price
70 MAD