Built at the end of the 16th century by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhabi to celebrate his army’s victory in the Battle of the Three Kings against the Portuguese army, the palace is a testament to the splendor of Islamic art. Inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, its construction reveals an exceptional artistic harmony.
Today, although only a vast esplanade surrounded by high walls and dotted with gardens planted with orange trees remains, the El Badi Palace retains the imprint of its captivating history. In 1696, the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismaïl decided to build the imperial city of Meknes using the palace’s riches, thus giving it a prominent place in the history of Morocco.
Bahia Palace: Timeless Elegance in the Heart of Marrakech.
The Bahia Palace, undoubtedly one of the jewels of Marrakech, opens its doors for an extraordinary experience.
Built in the 19th century under the orders of Grand Vizier Ahmed Ben Moussa, this palace, literally translated as “the Palace of the beautiful,” was once the sumptuous home of the Vizier’s four wives and twenty-four concubines.
Spread over a 10-hectare estate, the Bahia Palace is a monumental Arabo-Andalusian architectural masterpiece, housing no less than 150 richly decorated rooms. Today, this palace has become a cultural treasure, transformed into a captivating museum that welcomes your visits.
The sumptuous gardens of the Bahia Palace invite you to an enchanted escape. Among rosemary, orange trees, grapefruits, and a profusion of flowers in yellow, red, and purple hues, you will discover a green haven of exceptional beauty in the very heart of Marrakech.
Saadian Tombs: An Emotional Journey into the History of Marrakech.
Immerse yourself in the unforgettable brilliance of the Saadian Tombs, an exceptional stop among our selection of the 7 jewels of Marrakech!
This royal necropolis, a breathtaking testament to the glorious era of the Saadian dynasty under the reign of Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603), constitutes an unparalleled historical treasure in Marrakech. With its more than 100 tombs delicately adorned with mosaics, it becomes the eternal resting place of the servants and warriors of this emblematic dynasty.
The main mausoleum, the true epicenter of the Saadian Tombs, solemnly reveals the remains of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his family, thus creating a space deeply imbued with history and emotion. Each corner of this building tells a story, each mosaic seems to whisper an ancient tale, making the Saadian Tombs much more than just a visit, but a captivating immersion into the majestic past of Marrakech.
Ben Youssef Madrasa: A Marrakchi Educational Odyssey Blending Tradition and Modern Splendor
Dive into the enchanting epic of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an educational jewel nestled in the heart of Marrakech. Built in 1565 under the grand vision of Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib, this madrasa transcends its initial function as a Quranic school to become an architectural masterpiece. With its 130 welcoming rooms, it housed up to 900 students, creating a place where education harmoniously married historical grandeur. Let yourself be enveloped by the unparalleled splendor of this emblematic site, an ode to Morocco’s exceptional cultural richness.
Dive into the little-known shadow of the Almoravid Koubba, located opposite the Ben Youssef Mosque. Built in 1117 by Ali ben Youssef, this koubba, or “dome,” served as a center of ablution for believers going to the mosque. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history that emanates from this remnant of the Almoravid dynasty, offering a captivating look at the architecture and spirituality that have shaped Marrakech through the centuries.
Lose yourself in the mysteries of the Secret Garden, the fruit of the urban genius of the Saadian Sultan Moulay Abdallah in the 16th century. Witness to a glorious past, this site saw the birth of a palace destroyed in the 17th century, but resurrected by the Caid Al Hajj Abd Allah U Bihi in the 19th century. With its 4,000 square meters, the Secret Garden reveals two captivating gardens, one faithful to the traditions of the Islamic garden, and the other, an exotic paradise housing plant treasures from five continents. Dive into this botanical oasis steeped in history, where each alley whispers an ancient story and each flower evokes a bygone era.
Explore the Majorelle Garden, a botanical dream in the heart of the “Red City.” Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924, this garden regained its splendor thanks to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. Explore the different sections, from the blue garden to the villa of Jacques Majorelle, to the Islamic garden and its Moroccan fountains, to the medicinal plant garden dedicated to traditional Moroccan medicine, to the exotic garden housing rare plant treasures. A visual and botanical symphony that seduces thousands of visitors each year in search of wonder, offering a true feast for the senses and a journey through time in the heart of Medina.
Discover Marrakech, Morocco with Skoleom Travel.
