El Badii Palace

Source: Regional Council of Tourism Marrakech (CRT)

Dar el Badii, the unrivalled palace was built between 1578 and 1603 by Yacoub el Mansour, an Almohade ruler. The richest raw materials, some of them, which came from India, were chosen for its construction: gold, onyx, Italian marble... The Andalusian influence in the plans of the palace is undeniable and one may think that the unknown architect must have come from Granada. an almost absolute symmetry was imposed in the plan of this magnificent residence completely built on arches with extremely solid bricks. The interior gardens, called gardens of desire, of which only an immense esplanade remains today with artificial lakes and orange trees, are surrounded by the ruins of the palace and high walls on which a multitude of storks are nestled.

Practical Information

Opening hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4: 45 p.m.

Location: Ksibat Nhass. Place Tinsmiths. Cross Bab Berrima and turn right between the high walls.

Price: 10 dhs, and 10 extra dhs to see the Koutoubia minbar.