Hotels near El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace is the most atmospheric ruin in Marrakech. Built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur to celebrate his victory at the Battle of the Three Kings, it was once a marvel of gold, turquoise, and crystal - a palace so extravagant its name translates to "The Incomparable." In 1683, Sultan Moulay Ismail stripped it of every valuable surface to decorate his own capital in Meknes. What remains is a vast sunken courtyard with crumbling pisé walls, reflecting pools, and orange groves that are hauntingly beautiful in their emptiness.

The scale of El Badi is impressive even stripped bare - the central courtyard stretches 135 metres long and 110 metres wide, with sunken gardens and a large central pool. Climb the rampart walls for panoramic views over the Kasbah rooftops to the Atlas Mountains. The underground chambers now house the original minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of Almoravid woodcarving that took eight years to complete. Entry is 70 MAD (~€7) and the palace is open daily 9:00-17:00.

Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the setting sun turns the pisé walls golden orange and the Atlas Mountains glow behind the ramparts. Do not miss the underground passage to see the Koutoubia minbar - it is easily overlooked but is one of the most precious artefacts in Morocco.