The Bahia Palace
Marrakech
The Bahia Palace
Free entry is granted to the Youth Pass Holders
Marrakech
The Bahia Palace
Free entry is granted to the Youth Pass Holders
Description
The Bahia Palace, an extraordinary historical monument in Marrakech, was built in two phases over an area of 8 hectares during the second half of the 19th century. The house of Si Moussa, who served as the chamberlain to Sultan Moulay Hassan in 1894 and as Grand Vizier to Moulay Abdelaziz until his death in 1900, included the large riad, the northern courtyard, and the annexes. The renovation work was completed by 1866-1867. Starting in 1894, Ba Ahmed, the son of Si Moussa, expanded the residence by acquiring several houses, which were then combined and transformed into a true palace (Bahia). The construction took six years, from 1894 to 1900.
The Bahia Palace is a series of courtyards, gardens, salons, outbuildings, and annexes, notable both for their structure and their ornamentation. It also included a Moorish bath, treasure rooms, and an Agdal. In 1912, the palace underwent further renovation when it became the residence of the French Resident General in Marrakech. The palace, composed of four main courtyards, each distinct from the others, is decorated with the finest craftsmanship from Moroccan artisans, featuring marble, moucharabieh, zellij, stained glass, wood carvings and paintings, as well as stucco work. The courtyards are embellished with fountains and lush gardens.
