El Badi Palace
About This Museum
It's hard to believe this sprawling complex of sun-baked ruins was once the most magnificent palace in Morocco, a 16th-century project funded by a king's ransom in gold. Today, you wander through the ghosts of its former glory—vast courtyards that stretch out like a desert plain, surrounded by the towering, honey-colored remnants of its walls. The soul of the place, however, is found in its lush central garden, a serene oasis where an ornamental orange orchard still thrives within geometric pathways. Standing on the elevated terraces and looking down into the excavated foundations feels like reading a story written in stone and earth.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the ancient stork nests perched precariously on the crumbling walls—they're a living part of the palace now. The collection is sparse but powerful; look for the restored minbar from the Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of marquetry, displayed in one of the remaining pavilions. The real highlight is imagining the lost opulence: pools that once held silver and onyx, and halls lined with Italian marble and Indian gems.
Visitor Information
Come in the late afternoon when the light turns the red clay walls to gold and the heat has softened. It’s located right in Ksibat Nhass, so it's an easy walk from the main square. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground.
Architecture & Building
A stunning example of Saadian architecture, characterized by its massive scale, imposing defensive walls made of rammed earth and red clay, and intricate decorative elements carved directly into the stone.
Contact & Location
Address: Palais El Badi قصر البديع, Rue de Berrima, Douar Graoua, Arrondissement de Marrakech-Medina مقاطعة مراكش المدينة, Marrakech ⵎⵕⵕⴰⴽⵯⵛ مراكش, Pachalik de Marrakech, Préfecture de Marrakech عمالة مراكش, Marrakech-Safi ⵎⵕⵕⴰⴽⵛ-ⴰⵙⴼⵉ مراكش-أسفي, 40040, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب
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