Bahia Palace, Royal palace in Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco
Bahia Palace is a royal residence in the Marrakesh Medina covering about two acres with numerous rooms decorated in carved plaster, painted wooden ceilings, marble surfaces, and geometric tile work. The structure includes several courtyards and gardens laid out in traditional Moroccan style.
Grand Vizier Si Moussa began construction in 1866, with his son Ba Ahmed expanding the complex from 1894 to 1900 during Sultan Hassan I's reign. This expansion period reflected the family's growing political power in the late 1800s.
The layout reflects how Moroccan families once organized their homes, with distinct zones for wives, children, and official business kept separate from each other. Walking through these areas shows how rooms were designed for privacy and specific daily activities rather than shared family gatherings.
Access to the palace is typically through guided tours, and visitors should expect to navigate multiple levels and interior spaces with varying accessibility in some areas. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you move between courtyards and through rooms with uneven historic flooring.
The palace sustained damage in the 2023 earthquake but reopened in October following repairs to its walls and roofing systems. This swift restoration effort demonstrates the commitment to preserving the building for visitors and future generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
