Bahia Palace 🇲🇦

The Bahia Palace, meaning "the Brilliant," is a mid-to-late 19th-century historic complex situated in Marrakesh, Morocco. Covering almost two hectares, this sprawling single-level property comprises roughly 150 rooms arranged around internal courtyards and traditional riad gardens. Recognized as a major historic monument, the site operates under the Moroccan Ministry of Culture as a public attraction, while also remaining in occasional royal use for receiving foreign dignitaries.

Construction of the residence began during the 1860s under Si Musa, grand vizier to Sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. Between 1894 and 1900, his son and successor, grand vizier Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, substantially enlarged the palace using the architect Muhammad ibn Makki al-Misfiwi. Built entirely on one floor to accommodate Ba Ahmed's large physical stature, the growing property expanded over adjacent neighborhoods. Following Ba Ahmed's death in 1900, the complex was looted, later received upper-floor additions under Madani el-Glaoui, served as the residence for French resident-general Lyautey, and was used by King Mohammed V prior to its modern public role.

Because it was constructed piecemeal over several decades, the palace features a labyrinthine, irregular layout. Visitors enter the complex through a horseshoe arch doorway that leads along a long garden path. Highlights include the Small Riad with its decorated galleries, central walkways, and former Council Chamber, alongside a private apartment built for Ba Ahmed's first wife, Lalla Zaynab. Adjacent to this area lies the Grand Riad, the palace's oldest section, which features two grand halls dating to 1866–1867 positioned around a large garden with trees from the 19th century.

The most prominent area of the complex is the Grand Courtyard, constructed around 1896–1897 and measuring 50 by 30 meters. Paved with Italian Carrara marble and encircled by a colorful wooden gallery, it provides access to approximately 80 rooms that housed Ba Ahmed's harem. A large hall at the east end of the courtyard features a high ceiling with intricate painted decoration. Artisans from across Morocco decorated the palace walls with carved stucco displaying geometric patterns, arabesques, muqarnas, and Arabic inscriptions, alongside Tetouan zellij tilework and painted cedar-wood ceilings made from Middle Atlas timber.

Beyond the central living quarters, the surrounding palace grounds originally encompassed stables, a mosque with a minaret, and extensive gardens containing a central water basin. Although the site suffered structural damages during the September 2023 earthquake—including roof fissures and a collapsed vaulted ceiling in the Grand Riad—it underwent repairs and reopened to visitors in October 2023.

Bahia Palace in pictures