El Badii Palace, Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
The El Badi palace is an architectural ensemble built at the end of the sixteenth century and located in Marrakech in Morocco. Former palace, it was built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhahbi to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army, in 1578, in the battle of the Three Kings. Today, there remains only a huge esplanade carved gardens, planted with orange trees and surrounded by high walls. Indeed, in 1696, the Alawite sultan Moulay Ismaïl took what was richest in this palace to build the imperial city of Meknes. Since 2011, the El Badi Palace has been used as a stage for the Marrakech Laughter Festival, organized by Jamel Debbouze.
The building was erected on the northeastern corner of the Kasbah, not far from the private apartments of Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhahbi. The construction of the palace took place from 1578 to 1594, some works remaining however until 1603, date of the death of the sultan. Symbol of power, the palatial ensemble expressed the splendor of the sovereign both with his subjects and foreign embassies: he was the setting for solemn audiences and parties. Considered a jewel of Islamic art, its construction was influenced by the Alhambra of Granada (Spain).
Epic Morocco Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?
