Marrakech: An overview - Part 14

Places not to miss – continued,

El Badii Palace

El Badii Palace was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed El Mansour and was believed to have been one of the most attractive palaces in the world. Originally having 360 rooms, a grand court yard and a pool which was 90 m x 20 m.

It was said that it took armies of labourers and craftsmen 25 years to complete. When it was finished, it had been constructed with walls and ceilings encrusted with gold and a massive pool with an island ranked by four sunken gardens. This grand building survived for a whole century before another conquering sultan came along and stripped the place clean. This was no mean task in itself as it took 12 years to complete. The conqueror took his spoil to his new capital at Meknès and all that survives today are the mudbrick ruins. It’s a big area to cover with very little shade, so it is best to avoid visiting in the heat of the afternoon. It’s also a good idea to bring some bottled water. At the north eastern corner you will find the only intact tower with an internal staircase to the roof. Here on the rooftop terrace it’s possible to get an idea of the huge size of the palace.

The protrusions in the crumbling walls are perfect for the cities storks who have made their nests here. The perfect vantage point for a bird’s-eye view of the palace walls and the storks is the rooftop terrace of the Kozybar on Place des Ferblantiers.

The palace was approached along a narrow passage between high walls. Then you met the gatehouse which carried an inscription about the glories of the palace. Today it is a ruin and you gain entry via a breach in the crumbling walls.

The palace’s central courtyard is home to five basins and four sunken gardens which are planted with orange trees. The central basin has an island that is host to the annual folk festival every July.

The ruins around the sides of the courtyard were probably summer houses. The Koubba El Khamsiniya on the far west side is named after the 50 pillars used in its construction.

Beside the annexe, a path leads down into the former stables and dungeon. Although you can enter these underground passages the chambers are only partially lit, so take care or bring a good torch.

The Khaysuran Pavilion, which is on the north side of the great court, was once the palace harem. Now it serves as an exhibition hall which hosts work by local and locally based foreign artists.

Continued in part 15