El Badi Palace Marrakesh

## The palace of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur El Badi Palace, sometimes written El Badii, stands in the historic Kasbah of Marrakesh. Construction began in 1578 during the reign of the Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, in the political aftermath of the Battle of the Three Kings. Its name conveys the idea of an incomparable palace. The complex was intended for ceremonies, diplomatic audiences and the representation of Saadian political power. Construction continued through the final decades of the sixteenth century. ## Courtyard, pools and pavilions The architectural ensemble was arranged around an extensive central courtyard with long rectangular pools, recessed gardens and surrounding pavilions. The surviving high walls and archaeological traces of water systems help reconstruct the organisation of the original buildings. Historical descriptions mention expensive building materials and elaborate decorative programmes connected with Mediterranean trade and royal patronage. Although much of the original interior decoration has vanished, the scale of the surviving spaces remains visible. ## Dismantling and later history During the rule of Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, materials and decorative elements from the palace were removed and reused elsewhere, particularly in Meknes, from the late seventeenth century onward. El Badi gradually became a monumental ruin. Archaeological research and conservation have provided information about its original reception halls, garden planning and water management. At different times the enclosure is also used for heritage-related and artistic events. ## Planning a visit El Badi Palace lies in the Kasbah of Marrakesh near Place des Ferblantiers and the Saadian Tombs. The Ministry of Culture offers official ticketing and generally lists visiting hours of about 9 am to 5 pm, subject to change. Its current ticketing description mistakenly reproduces information about Bahia Palace; this page should not be treated as a reliable history of El Badi. Related visits: [Saadian Tombs](/en/institutions/tombeaux-saadiens-marrakech) and [Bahia Palace](/en/institutions/palais-bahia-marrakech). ### Sources and photograph credit Source: [managing institution](https://e-services.minculture.gov.ma/fr/tickets/palais-badii). Image: [R Prazeres](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Badi_Palace_DSCF6501.jpg), licence CC BY-SA 4.0; no alterations indicated.