Verdict: Bahia Palace was one of the highlights of my trip to Marrakech so I definitely think it’s worth visiting. It’s a must visit if you like taking photos as the colours pop and the patterns resemble a kaleidoscope.
Similar to Le Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace offered respite from the busy streets of Marrakech. Walking around the palace, I couldn’t believe how old it was. From the beautiful, colourful tiles to the intricate details in the wood work, I loved visiting Bahia Palace – it’s definitely worth visiting.
See my photos and learn about the history of Bahia Palace.
My Photos Of Bahia Palace
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Interesting Facts About Bahia Palace
- “Bahia” means “The Brilliant” or “The Beautiful” in Arabic. The palace was named after the favourite wife of Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, who commissioned the later parts of the building.
- It took over 14 years to complete. The original riads were built in the 1860s by Si Musa, a former slave who rose to power. His son, Ba Ahmed, expanded it dramatically between 1894 and 1900. At its peak, over 1,000 skilled artisans from across Morocco were working on the site.
- It was never designed as a royal palace. Instead, it was the personal home of the powerful vizier and his large household. The palace had around 160 rooms, including quarters for four wives, dozens of concubines, and countless servants.
- The architecture is 100% Moroccan-Islamic style, with no European influences. Look out for hand-carved cedar wood ceilings, zellij tilework, and stucco decorations. No two rooms are exactly the same.
- The ceilings are some of the most famous in Morocco. In the harem area, you’ll see incredible painted cedar wood ceilings in red, gold and green patterns, completely done by hand using natural pigments.
- It was looted after Ba Ahmed’s death. When he died in 1900, the sultan’s forces emptied the palace of its treasures—furniture, jewellery, carpets, even some doors were taken.
- The French used it as a residence. During the colonial era, it became the home of the French resident-general. Later, it was sometimes used by Moroccan royalty for state occasions.
- It’s been in films and TV. The palace has appeared in Brideshead Revisited (2008), Moroccan period dramas, and documentaries about Moroccan history and architecture.
- The palace has no upper floors. This was intentional. Ba Ahmed was very overweight and couldn’t climb stairs, so the entire palace was designed on one level.
- It reopened quickly after the 2023 earthquake. Although parts were damaged, restoration work allowed it to reopen to the public just a month later, showing how much care is taken to preserve its heritage.
- It’s one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. Along with Jemaa el-Fna and Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace is considered a must-see and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
When was Bahia Palace built?
Bahia Palace was built in two main stages during the late 1800s.
- The first part was built around 1866–1867 by Si Musa, who was the Grand Vizier (chief advisor) to the Sultan. He created a small riad and some of the early rooms and courtyards.
- Later, from around 1894 to 1900, his son Ba Ahmed expanded the palace into a much larger and more luxurious home. He added the grand courtyard, the harem quarters, extra riads, and large gardens.
Most of what visitors see today was built during Ba Ahmed’s time. He brought in hundreds of Morocco’s best craftsmen to decorate the palace with carved wood, marble, tiles, and stucco. The palace was still being worked on when Ba Ahmed died in 1900, so some parts were never finished.
Why was Bahia Palace built?
Bahia Palace was built as a private home for some of the most powerful people in Morocco. It was not made for the king or royal family, but for a man named Si Musa, who was the Grand Vizier (like a prime minister) to the Sultan in the 1860s. He wanted a large, peaceful home that showed off his power and wealth. He started with a small riad (a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard).
Later, his son Ba Ahmed became Grand Vizier too. He was even more powerful and very rich. He expanded the palace to make it even more beautiful and impressive. He added new courtyards, gardens, and rooms for his four wives, many concubines, and many children. Everything was made to look grand, with hand-carved wood, colourful tiles, painted ceilings, and fountains.
The palace was meant to be a quiet place for family life, but also a space to welcome guests and hold important meetings. Ba Ahmed wanted it to be the most beautiful palace in Morocco, and a symbol of his success. It was never finished completely, because he died before all the work was done.
What to See at Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is full of beautiful details, quiet courtyards, and historic rooms. Here’s what to look out for as you explore:
The Grand Courtyard
- This large, open space is paved with Italian white marble and framed by elegant archways and columns.
- It’s surrounded by around 80 rooms, which once housed Ba Ahmed’s wives and concubines.
- Look closely at the colourful zellij tilework (mosaic-style tiles) along the lower walls. Each tile was laid by hand.
- Don’t forget to look up – the carved cedar wood ceilings are masterpieces, especially in the private rooms off the courtyard.
The Small Riad and Large Riad
- These are two traditional Moroccan-style gardens in the heart of the palace.
- The Small Riad is older, built by Si Musa in the 1860s. It’s quieter, with orange trees and a central fountain.
- The Large Riad was added later and is more decorative, with lush plants and geometric floor patterns.
- These shady gardens are perfect for a break from the sun and a moment of peace away from the crowds.
The Harem Apartments
- These private rooms were for Ba Ahmed’s family and inner circle.
- You’ll find beautifully painted ceilings here in reds, blues, and golds – some of the most photographed parts of the palace.
- The carved stucco around the doors and windows is incredibly detailed. Notice how no pattern is repeated.
The Council Room
- A large reception hall with tiled floors and high ceilings, where official meetings may have taken place.
- It’s cooler and darker than other rooms, designed to stay comfortable in the summer heat.
- Look out for the muqarnas (honeycomb-style plasterwork) near the top of the walls.
Decorative Details
Keep an eye out for:
- Carved cedar wood doors and ceilings, especially in the harem section.
- Stained glass windows that throw colourful patterns on the walls when the sun shines through.
- Hand-cut tiles in blues, greens, and yellows forming geometric shapes and calligraphy.
- Fountains and water features throughout, often with star-shaped basins – water is a symbol of life and luxury in Moroccan design.
Photography Tips
- The best light for photos is in the morning, when the courtyards are still quiet and the sun creates dramatic shadows.
- Many people miss the smaller rooms, so take time to explore the side corridors – some have the most beautiful ceilings.
Visiting Information And Practical Guide
Ticket Info
- Standard ticket: 70 MAD (about £5) per adult
- Children under 12: discounted (around 50 MAD)
- No free readmission – one ticket covers one visit.
How Long to Visit
- Standard visit: allow 1–1½ hours to wander courtyards, rooms, gardens .
- With relaxed pace or photos, up to 2 hours.
Opening Times
- Daily from 08:00 to 17:00 (some sources say 09:00–17:00)
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy better light for photos.
How to Get There (Train & Public Transport)
- Marrakech train station → taxi or grand taxi to Medina (short ride).
- Nearby bus stop at Jemaa el-Fna terminal; palace is 5 minutes walk.
Parking
- No on-site parking.
- Park in public lots near the Medina or at your riad/hotel, then walk or take a taxi.
Guided Tours
- On-site guides can be hired.
- Many shared or private tours include Bahia Palace and cost ~20–40 € including entrance
- Typical tour: 1.5–3 hours, guided in English, French, Arabic
Events
- No regular events inside the palace itself.
On‑Site Café
- No café inside the palace.
- Tours often start or end at nearby Café Argana for tea or snacks.
Places to Eat Nearby
Within a short walk of Bahia Palace and around Jemaa el-Fna:
- Café Argana – classic, good views
- Street‑food vendors around Place des Épices and Jemaa el‑Fna
- Several riad‑style cafés in Medina
Where to Visit Before or After
Great combined visits nearby:
- Saadian Tombs (5 min walk)
- Dar Si Said Museum & Dar El Bacha Museum (all 5–10 min walk)
- Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
- Koutoubia Mosque and its gardens
- Ben Youssef Madrasa and Jardin Majorelle (short taxi ride)
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access to main courtyards.
- Some uneven floors, steps, narrow doorways – may be difficult in parts
Interesting Facts
- Built in late 1800s by Vizier Ba Ahmed.
- Over 160 rooms and several inner riads (courtyards)
- “Bahia” means “the beautiful” – named after his favourite wife.
- Rich decoration: carved stucco, colourful tiles, painted cedar ceilings.
Address & Contact
- Avenue Imam El Ghazali, Marrakech 40000
- Official timings and prices on palace site: 08:00–17:00
- https://bahia-palace.com/
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