Morocco is home to some of the world’s amazing wonders. In every corner you explore, you find a different story. The Bahia Palace in Marrakech is another architectural wonder renowned for its rich history and significance. It is not like an ordinary palace; in fact, it is built as a symbol of beauty and comfort. Different rulers of Marrakech are behind the creation of this beautiful Palace. Therefore, you will find the reflection of different ideas in its construction, which makes it stand among the most beautiful palaces of Marrakech today. Let’s have a look at the real story behind the Bahia Palace and when one should visit it.
The Story Behind the Bahia Palace in Marrakech
This Palace was built in the 19th century. The man who initiated this building was Si Moussa. He was one of the most powerful men of his time. He wanted to have a residence that could reflect his influence. Also, he wanted to use it for political purposes. However, later on, his son, Ba Ahmed, made numerous changes to the building. He expanded that residence into a modern and lavish architecture. He wanted to dedicate this building to his favourite wife, and that’s how the building got its name, the Bahia Palace. Bahia means beauty or brilliance.
The Vision Behind the Bahia Palace
Si Moussa and Ba Ahmed had different divisions for the construction of the Palace. Si Moussa wondered about the political influence of the building, whereas his son just wanted it to be an intimate yet peaceful loving space that he could share with his favourite wife. So, Ba Ahmed made a lot of changes after the death of his father:
- He created shaded courtyards.
- He instructed labourers to keep the rooms flooded with natural light.
- He wanted mosaic floors to maintain the coolness
- He tried to bring tea specs to this building.
- He hired the best craftsman of Marrakech
The Architecture
The architecture reflects the Marrakech culture and is one of the finest buildings related to Islamic vision in Morocco.
Ceilings
The ceiling is decorated with cedarwood. It features detailed curves that reflect a story. The wood used for the ceilings was brought from the Atlas Mountains.
Tilework
The architecture of the Bahia Palace is decorated with colourful tiles, which are known as zellij. These tiles feature geometric patterns that reflect Islamic principles.
Stucco carvings
In Bahia, you will find numerous stucco carvings. It’s a traditional method of making beautiful designs on the walls and arches. To create stucco carvings, special plaster is used, which is a combined mixture of water and lime dust or marble dust. This mixture is then used to create intricate, beautiful geometric designs that add elegance to the building’s walls.
Courtyard
The courtyards of this palace are spacious, and here you will find a variety of green plants. The courtyards also feature beautiful fountains with various designs. Bahia Garden is a Perfect escape in the heart of Marrakech.
The Bahia Palace is also renowned for its peaceful atmosphere because of its beautiful gardens. One of the central attractions of the palace is its most incredible gardens. These gardens actually represent the Moroccan Royal Gardens, the center of Moroccan tourism. Here you will find different types of trees, such as jasmine, sandalwood, orange, and other dense trees that cover the paths with thick branches. When the fountain water sprinklers around it, the beauty of this palace increases, making the garden even more beautiful and a serene place where one can find solitude.
The Division of the Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is divided into different sections. Each has its own other story. From its courtyard and garden to its rooms, everything is exceptional and beyond imagination. In the palace, you will find around 150 rooms, though they’re closed. Still, you can have insight into a few rooms. Let’s have a look at the different sections of the Bahia Palace:
The small Riad
It’s one of the oldest parts of the palace that was built by the father of Ba Ahmed. In the section, you will find rich tile work, ceilings with beautiful wooden carvings, and a small courtyard.
The grand courtyard
This courtyard is rectangular in shape, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the building. The courtyard features a beautiful white marble floor with geometric tiles that enhance its beauty.
The harem rooms
This section belongs to the wife of Ba Ahmed. It was a private living quarter of his wife and it is decorated with stucco carvings, colourful tiles, and wooden doors, including a balcony with access to private gardens.
The council room
In the palace, you will find a council room where political discussions and meetings are usually held. It was typically used for administrative purposes and remains mostly closed.
French Occupation Era
In 1900, Ba Ahmed passed away, leaving all his wishes behind. After the golden era came to an end, it was the time of French occupation. Due to an increasing political shift, the palace was occupied by several rival and authorities who made every luxurious thing disappear. All the Persian garments, ceramic, and cold items were looted, and the hollow Palace was left behind.
In the early 20th century, after the French colonial administration, this Palace was restored to preserve its original charm. Even in the 20th century, the Bahia Palace remains open to the public, but its originality has been significantly altered.
How to get to Bhaiya Palace?
Bahia Palace is located in the southern part of the Marrakech Medina. This place is close to most of the city’s tourist attractions, so you can easily reach it. However, there are many narrow lanes, and as it’s divided into sections, you need a guide to help you explore each part of the Bahia Palace. Hiring a driver or a chauffeur can help you increase your convenience and comfort. You can hire an experienced driver from Private Driver Morocco to improve the comfort of your travel and for a more informative journey.
Things to consider while travelling to the Bahia Palace
Always consider the opening hours of Bahia Palace. This Palace is usually open every day. It opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes around 5:00 p.m. Considering the crowd level, the palace may close 30 to 40 minutes before the closing time.
- It’s better to arrive in the morning so you can have more time for exploration.
- To enter the Bahia Palace, you have to pay a specific fee. The ticket charges for adults and children are different. For adults, it’s around 70 to 80 MAD.(prices may vary)
- You can purchase the ticket directly at the entrance or ask your tour guide to assist you with the purchase.
Conclusion
The Bahia Palace is a stunning location in the heart of Marrakech, representing the cultural heritage of Morocco and the historical evolution of the Marrakech people. Walking through the courtyard of the Bahia Palace feels like you have entered into another world where you will witness elegance and serenity all around you. Its cultural importance, historical values, and vision of love make it one of the most unforgettable stops for any tourist visiting Marrakech.
