El Badi Palace is one of the most fascinating historical landmarks in Marrakech, not because of what still stands, but because of what once existed. Known today as a vast, haunting ruin, El Badi Palace was once among the most luxurious palaces in the Islamic world, built to impress foreign ambassadors, intimidate rivals, and symbolize absolute power.
This guide goes far beyond basic facts. You’ll discover hidden history, visitor tips, ticket prices, opening hours, and how El Badi compares to other palaces like El Bahia Palace—plus details many articles never mention.
What Is El Badi Palace?
El Badi Palace (Palais El Badi) is a 16th-century palace located in the historic Kasbah district of Marrakech, Morocco. Its name means “The Incomparable Palace”, a bold claim that reflected its original purpose: to glorify Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, ruler of the Saadian dynasty.
At its peak, El Badi Palace featured:
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Over 360 rooms
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Italian marble
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Gold imported from Sudan
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Onyx, turquoise, and rare woods
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Massive reflecting pools and sunken gardens
Today, El Badi Palace stands in dramatic contrast to its past—open courtyards, crumbling walls, and stork nests perched on ancient towers.
The History of El Badi Palace (Why It Was Built)
El Badi Palace was commissioned in 1578, shortly after the Battle of Alcácer Quibir, one of the most decisive events in Moroccan history. After defeating Portuguese forces, Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur used the spoils of war to build a palace that rivaled the greatest structures of Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
The palace was not designed as a residence alone—it was a political weapon:
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Foreign diplomats were received here
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Lavish ceremonies reinforced royal authority
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Architecture communicated dominance and wealth
Why El Badi Palace Was Destroyed
Ironically, El Badi Palace was dismantled less than a century later. Sultan Moulay Ismail, founder of Meknes, ordered the palace stripped of its materials to build his new imperial capital.
Marble columns, tiles, and ceilings were removed and reused—leaving behind the monumental shell visitors see today.
El Badi Palace vs El Bahia Palace (Important Difference)
Many travelers confuse El Badi Palace with El Bahia Palace, but they offer very different experiences:
| El Badi Palace | El Bahia Palace |
|---|---|
| Monumental ruins | Fully decorated palace |
| Vast open courtyards | Intricate rooms & gardens |
| Raw history & scale | Ornate beauty & craftsmanship |
| Ideal for photographers | Ideal for architecture lovers |
Pro tip: Visit El Bahia Palace first, then El Badi Palace to truly feel the contrast between preservation and decay.
El Badi Palace Tickets & Entrance Information
🎟️ El Badi Palace Ticket Price
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Adults: ~70 MAD
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Children: Usually free or discounted
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Prices may vary slightly during festivals
🚪 El Badi Palace Entrance
The El Badi Palace entrance is located in the Kasbah district, about:
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10 minutes from Jemaa el-Fna
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Near Saadian Tombs
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Easily accessible by taxi or walking
💻 El Badi Palace Tickets Online
Currently, El Badi Palace tickets online are not officially available. Tickets are purchased on-site at the entrance.
Tip: Bring cash (MAD). Card payments are not always accepted.
El Badi Palace Opening Hours
El Badi Palace opening hours generally follow this schedule:
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Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Last entry usually 30–45 minutes before closing
During summer or special events (like the Marrakech Folklore Festival), hours may extend slightly.
What to See Inside El Badi Palace
1. The Grand Courtyard
The heart of El Badi Palace is its immense rectangular courtyard, featuring:
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Central reflecting pools
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Sunken orange gardens
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Towering walls that amplify silence
This space once hosted grand ceremonies and royal receptions.
2. Underground Passages
Few visitors explore the subterranean tunnels, once used by servants and guards. These passages reveal how complex palace life truly was.
3. The Minbar of the Koutoubia Mosque
One of El Badi Palace’s greatest treasures is the minbar (pulpit) originally made for the Koutoubia Mosque. Crafted in Andalusia, it is a masterpiece of Islamic art and woodwork.
4. Stork Towers
El Badi Palace is also a sanctuary for storks, whose nests crown the walls. Their presence adds a poetic layer to the ruins.
Photography at El Badi Palace (A Hidden Gem)
El Badi Palace is one of the most underrated photo spots in Marrakech:
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Golden light at sunset
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Minimal crowds compared to Bahia Palace
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Dramatic shadows and textures
Unlike many monuments, photography here feels unrestricted and peaceful.
When Is the Best Time to Visit El Badi Palace?
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Morning: Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors
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Late afternoon: Best light for photos
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Winter months: Ideal weather
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Summer: Visit early to avoid heat
Why El Badi Palace Is Still Important Today
El Badi Palace is more than a ruin—it’s a symbol of impermanence. It teaches visitors:
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How power rises and falls
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How architecture reflects politics
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Why Marrakech became a global imperial city
Many historians argue that El Badi Palace tells Morocco’s story more honestly than preserved monuments.
Visiting El Badi Palace: Practical Tips
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Wear comfortable shoes (uneven ground)
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Bring water (few vendors inside)
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Combine with Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace
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Allow at least 1–1.5 hours
Final Thoughts: Is El Badi Palace Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If El Bahia Palace shows you Morocco’s beauty, El Badi Palace shows you its soul. Vast, silent, and monumental, it offers an experience that feels timeless—and deeply human.
Whether you’re interested in history, photography, architecture, or simply understanding Marrakech beyond postcards, El Badi Palace is unmissable.