Hello my friends! Today, I am going to talk to you about a historical place I recently visited in Marrakech: the Badii Palace ! This palace, which was once a true gem, is today a site filled with history and mystery. I would like to share with you some information about this palace and some photos I took during this fascinating visit.
The BADII, the unique, the sublime, refers to the palatial complex built by the most illustrious of the SAADIAN sovereigns, Ahmed AL MANSOUR AD DAHBI. Started in December 1578, a few months after the sultan's accession, the construction work would not be completed until sixteen years later. To build this grand work, the sultan chose the northeastern part of the Almohad Kasbah. The location had the advantage of being adjacent to the sultan's private apartments. The palace was intended for celebrations and solemn audiences where the splendor of the sovereign could be displayed to the elite of the kingdom and foreign embassies. Space of display, it is the subject of several stories and poems.
The palatial complex consists of a large rectangular courtyard measuring 135m by 110m, in the middle of which a pool measuring 90m by 20m was arranged. On either side of this central pool, two flowerbeds are covered with trees. The corners of the palace are occupied by rectangular pools measuring 30m by 10m. Around the immense courtyard of the BADII palace, the imposing ruins of former pavilions are arranged.
The general layout of the palace and its decor attest to an influence from Granada, its plan presumably inspired by the Alhambra palace. The BADII was destroyed in the 17th century. Started around 1696, the demolition lasted about ten years, and a large part of its materials was transported to Meknes to be reused in the construction of the royal city of Moulay Ismail (1677-1727).
As soon as I arrived, I bought my entry ticket and started the tour by going through a basement of the palace. This basement is a true treasure for history enthusiasts. There was an exhibition of photos showing Marrakech a long time ago. Looking at these images, I was able to see what the city used to look like. It was impressive to compare the past and the present. Then, I entered a room where a video presented the history of the Badii Palace.
After finishing the tour of the basement, I went up to discover the grand courtyard of the palace. The view was breathtaking and testified to the grandeur of the place in its time.
Walking along the wall and passing through several large gates, I finally arrived in a vast exhibition hall. Inside, a captivating exhibition was dedicated to Aghmat, an ancient city that played a key role long before the founding of Marrakech. Former capital of the Almoravids in the 11th century, it had already emerged in the 10th century as the center of the principality of the Maghrawa. The exhibition revealed archaeological objects and stories about the daily life of the inhabitants of this vanished city. It was fascinating to see how these relics have withstood the test of time.
Aghmat was not only distinguished by its political importance but also by its major economic role. From the Idrisid period and especially under the Almoravids, it housed one of the most dynamic minting workshops in the Maghreb and the Islamic West. Thanks to its strategic position on the caravan routes connecting the Atlas to Sub-Saharan Africa, it ensured a considerable circulation of currency throughout the Empire.
For about ten years, large-scale archaeological excavations have allowed the rediscovery of its glorious past. Researchers have uncovered iconic monuments such as a mosque, a hammam, and a palace, as well as an impressive collection of archaeological objects: ceramics, plaster and marble sculptures, and an unprecedented monetary corpus.
This exhibition represents a significant advancement in the promotion of Moroccan archaeological heritage. It offers the public a unique opportunity to explore an emblematic city in the country's history and to better understand its exceptional heritage.
As I walked through the palace, I couldn't help but think about all the history that had taken place here. Even in ruins, the Badii Palace retains a unique beauty and a special atmosphere. I took the time to sit for a few minutes to admire the landscape. It was a moment of calm and reflection.
After this beautiful discovery, it was time for me to leave the palace, I left at 2:45 PM, 15 minutes before closing (The site is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM). This visit taught me a lot and allowed me to take a good journey into Morocco's past, the Badii Palace is a fascinating place that deserves to be discovered.
Thank you for taking the time to read! I hope you enjoyed this visit. See you in my next post for a new visit! See you very soon!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
Photos taken by my own phone (Redmi Note 11).
