El Badi Palace

The El Badi Palace, in Marrakech

The El Badi Palace is a grandiose palace in ruins, a witness of the splendour of the Saadian dynasty in Marrakech. The Marrakech audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this majestic monument, whose remains tell a legendary splendour.

The past splendour of the Saadian dynasty

The El Badi Palace was built from 1578 by the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansour, in the aftermath of a great victory, to celebrate the power of his dynasty. Reputed as one of the most sumptuous palaces of its time, it was adorned with gold, Italian marble, onyx and precious materials from all over the world. Dismantled the following century, today there remain only majestic ruins: vast courtyards, immense pools, remains of walls where the storks nest. These grandiose ruins still testify to the glory of the golden age of Marrakech.

What to see

Here you walk through the majestic ruins with vast courtyards, immense pools and remains of walls where the storks nest, witnesses of the splendour of the Saadian dynasty. The El Badi Palace tells the splendour of the golden age of Marrakech. It is a major stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The El Badi Palace lies in the medina of Marrakech, reachable on foot through the lanes. The visit has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to enjoy the views from the ramparts.

Who built the El Badi Palace of Marrakech?

The Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansour, from 1578, to celebrate the power of his dynasty; the palace, once sumptuous, is today only majestic ruins.

Where is the El Badi Palace?

In the medina of Marrakech, in Morocco.