Marrakech is home to some of one of the most magnificent royal residences in Morocco. Each of them has beautiful architecture and are filled with stories. If you plan to go there, don’t miss out on visiting these sumptuous treasures! Not only will you get a glimpse into the life of a king in Morocco, but you will also be able to take magnificent photos. Planning a visit with a guide will allow you to deepen the experience by discovering the history behind these impressive palaces.
Continue reading to discover with us some of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech.
1. El Badi Palace – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN MARRAKECH
El Badi Palace was once one of the largest and most luxurious palaces in the world. But a lot has changed since then. Today, we can only imagine the glory of this building, of which only vestiges of its sumptuous past remain.
Formerly the residence of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, this architectural masterpiece is the legacy he left to the city. He built it in 1578 to honor the victory in the Battle of the Three Kings of the Alcazarquivir. It covers an area of over 130×110 square meters, with a courtyard that dominates the center of the palace and a massive pond. It included more than 300 formal rooms and reception halls for Ahmed al-Mansour’s meetings with other prominent members of the social class. Unsurprisingly, to build El Badi Palace, he was inspired by the beautiful Alhambra in Granada, one of the most beautiful Muslim palaces in Spain.
In the late 17th century, the palace was ransacked by Sultan Mulay, who stole valuables and furniture and stripped the palace of all its decoration.
However, visitors can see the red bricks of the building ruins amidst greenery and beautiful orange trees, its courtyards and gardens.
2. Dar Si Said Palace & Museum – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN MARRAKECH
To fully enjoy the beauty of these palaces, you must admire the particularly fine details that decorate them. The Dar si Said Palace is an example of this, since it has housed a Museum of Moroccan art since 1932. Here you can admire beautiful works of art, unique objects, magnificent architecture, beautiful rooms, as well as as lush vegetation in its picturesque gardens. Located in the southern part of the Medina, it can be found near the Bahia Palace in one of its narrow streets.
The palace was built in the 19th century by the vizier’s brother Ahmed Ben Moussa, who also built the Bahia Palace.
Well located in the city, after visiting the museum, you can walk around the neighborhood, and discover cultural sites and restaurants.
3. Ben Youssef Medersa – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN MARRAKECH
The Ben Youssef Medersa dates from the 16th century and was designed by Sultan Abdallah to pay homage to one of the patron saints of Marrakech.
This building has become one of the most important Islamic schools in the world. Known as the madrasa, it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting sites to visit in Marrakech, from an architectural point of view.
There is a large central patio with a portico and a magnificent fish pond made of tiles of all colors. Many details have been paid attention to in every corner. Learning the Coran was the main function of the place. This school is also known as the largest Quranic school in the world, with around 900 students from Morocco and other Muslim countries.
4. The Bahia Palace – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN MARRAKECH
It is one of the most visited and famous historical sites in Morocco. The Bahia Palace is a must-see during your stay in Marrakech and attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year. It was built in the 19th century by Ahmed Moussa, the vizier of the Grand Sultan bin Abderahmena, who also became ruler of Morocco between 1894 and 1900.
According to some, Ahmed was a black slave who managed to rise to the top of the social ladder and managed to become vizier through corruption. This theory is denied by many historians who attribute its prosperity to ancestry of good lineage.
Today, his offspring continue to play a key function in Moroccan politics. He was described as a very cruel ruler and ruled a quasi-dictatorial regime. When he died in 1900, the palace was ransacked and his family had to go into exile from Marrakech.
It seems that Ahmed Moussa appreciated female company, since more than 300 women lived in the palace. Wives, servants and concubines. The palace continued to expand to accommodate Ahmed’s new guests and his children. Which gave the house a messy layout.
The palace includes 160 richly decorated rooms, in addition to a mosque, a Koranic school, a harem, public baths, stables, gardens, as well as numerous courtyards and orchards. The most characteristic part of the palace is the vast courtyard found at the entrance. It was used for the official celebrations and is richly decorated and there are many architectural details to admire.
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