EL Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the ruler of the Saadian Dynasty. The palace was built as a symbol of the Sultan’s power and wealth, and it was meant to be a grand display of his wealth and influence. The palace was built with a combination of traditional Moroccan and European styles, and it was decorated with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and ornate carvings. The palace was also home to the Sultan’s harem, which included over 500 women
Explore the fascinating past of Badi Palace, a representation of the splendor of the Saadian dynasty in Marrakech. Discover how it was built, its heyday, and its eventual demise. Discover the ruins of this opulent palace and become enmeshed in Morocco’s regal history.
A Monument to the Magnificence of the Saadian Kingdom
A testimony to the splendor and extravagance of the Saadian dynasty, one of the most significant eras in Moroccan history, is Badi Palace, also called El Badi Palace. The palace was constructed in 1578 on Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur’s order to commemorate the Sultan’s triumph over the Portuguese at the Battle of the Three Kings. The Sultan’s goal of building a palace unlike any other is reflected in the name “Badi,” which means “The Incomparable.”
With the help of Portugal’s massive war reparations, Badi Palace’s construction got underway soon after the conflict. Craftspeople and artists from all around Morocco and beyond helped build the palace, which took almost 25 years to finish. Using onyx from India, gold leaf from Sudan, and Italian marble, Badi Palace was intended to be a display of grandeur. There were reportedly 360 rooms in the palace, all of which were furnished with the best materials available.
Badi Palace’s Golden Age:
Badi Palace was the hub of Marrakech’s political and artistic life in its heyday. The Sultan showcased his enormous wealth and power during the palace’s elaborate parties for foreign guests. Banquets and festivities took place in the palace’s central courtyard, which had underground gardens and reflecting pools. The palace also contained the exquisitely designed pulpit known as the Minbar of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Badi Palace’s splendor was fleeting. Sultan Moulay Ismail looted the palace’s treasures in the beginning of the 17th century, following the collapse of the Saadian dynasty, with the intention of using the resources to construct his new capital at Meknes. The once-wonderful palace was reduced to rubble, and the location gradually deteriorated. The palace’s ruins are now open for exploration and serve as a moving reminder of how ephemeral fame and power are.
Today in Badi Palace
Badi Palace is still regarded as one of Marrakech’s most important historical sites, despite its destruction. The palace’s expansive courtyard, tall walls, and intact buildings never cease to enthrall tourists. The location is especially well-known for its stork breeding sites, which give the ancient setting a special appeal. Badi Palace provides a singular window into Morocco’s rich past by blending nature and history.
