El Badi Palace: A Slice of Marrakech's Rich History

Overview

El Badi Palace, often referred to as the 'incomparable palace,' stands as a testament to the opulence of the Saadian era in 16th century Morocco. Commissioned by the illustrious ruler Ahmad al-Mansur, this architectural marvel took 25 years to construct and was completed in 1593 using reparations from the Portuguese. Although much of the palace has not withstood the test of time, visitors can still admire its magnificent ruins, including the remnants of sunken gardens, dungeons, and a grand hall adorned with 50 columns. The intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials, such as gold, onyx, and marble, reflect the artistic brilliance of the period. Today, the site hosts various cultural festivals and events, including lively weekend dance parties, making it a vibrant hub of history and culture.

Photo of El Badi Palace
Photo of El Badi Palace
Photo of El Badi Palace
Opening hours
  • Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressKsibat Nhass, Marrakech 40000, Morocco

Reviews

Sara L
United States
5
The ruins are truly worth exploring, especially to find a break from the nearby square and markets. The palace has plenty of storks in flight. A fascinating site to visit. Entry is 100 dirhams, with discounts for residents and children.
Oleg Petrov
Ukraine
5
This place has a pleasant ambiance. While the main attractions are the walls, it's a delightful area to wander and reflect on the history. The parks below the square offer an interesting contrast. We paid 100 dirhams each and note that it's cash only. Beware of individuals outside claiming "The palace is closed, but I can take you to another site for a fee"; they are just trying to scam you.
Matthias Becker
Germany
2
There are only ruins remaining of the palace, with not much left to see. You will find ruins, some recently renovated catacombs, but they are devoid of artifacts, leaving just a few images on the walls and a small archaeological exhibit. You can see everything in about 30 minutes.
Aisha Ndiaye
Senegal
5
We visited around 4pm and had no wait for tickets; the site was uncrowded which made for a pleasant stroll. I appreciated the layout of the visit, concluding with a small museum. I look forward to returning once the gates have been refurbished!
Elena Dubois
France
5
This Palace is absolutely stunning. I arrived early in the morning, and it was pleasantly quiet. There was no wait for ticket purchase, and I could explore nearly every room at my leisure. The history of the palace is remarkable, and the restorations are beautifully done; some were still ongoing during my visit. There is a video loop in one section discussing the palace's history, but it's only in Spanish, so it's a plus if you speak it! Many information boards are available only in Arabic and French, so consider downloading a translation app if you don’t speak those languages. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, you will find numerous stork nests perched atop the ruins, and the clear blue sky during my visit provided perfect photo opportunities.