Dar el Bacha, Palace and museum in Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco
Dar el Bacha is a palace and museum in Marrakesh's medina featuring marble floors in black and white patterns and walls painted in natural pigments such as indigo, saffron, and poppy red. Elaborately carved wooden ceilings and plasterwork decorate the rooms, which are arranged around central courtyards across several levels.
The palace was built in 1910 for Thami El Glaoui, a powerful local leader who held significant influence in Marrakesh during the early 20th century. Its construction marked the height of his authority in the city during a transformative period for Morocco.
The palace showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship through intricate plasterwork and carved wooden ceilings that fill each room. Visitors walking through the halls can observe how these decorative techniques shaped the way wealthy families displayed their status and taste.
Visit in early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid crowds and enjoy the spaces more comfortably. The interior courtyards provide naturally cool areas during hot weather.
The palace hosted famous European artists and cultural figures including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and French dancer Josephine Baker during its early years. These connections reveal how it functioned as a meeting point between Moroccan and Western culture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
