The Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is not a historical spot like the other monoliths in Marrakech.
Nevertheless, the site is acknowledged for the splendor of its architecture. Its building is current, dating from the 19th century, and was influenced by Arabic as well as Andalusian styles.
Commissioned by the Grand Vizier, Bachelor's degree Ahmed ben Moussa, the palace took 10 years to complete and was also designed in two phases. At the end of the nineteenth century, Abu Ahmed, a black servant who had actually risen to power and come to be vizier, made the palace bigger and also had craftsmen from throughout the nation involved in working with the mansion.
The building has 8 hectares and 150 spaces, which result in numerous outdoor patios and gardens. The most exciting part of the show is the harem of Abu Bou Ahmed's four better halves and his 24 concubines.
Strangely enough, the palace indicates "the stunning. There are several concepts on whether the palace was called "" bahia"" because of its architectural elegance or after the viziar's favored partner.
Empty areas
Regretfully, all the rooms in the Bahia Palace are vacant. When the vizier died, many, including his partners as well as the sultan, took all the art and furnishings from the palace to enhance their own courts.
The good news is that the ceiling's impressive decoration still remains intact.
Not to be missed!
Although some might be a little disappointed by the lack of design in the royal residence's spaces, from our viewpoint, the Bahia Palace is just one of the best attractions in Marrakech.
Unless you're just in Marrakech for a few days and don't have enough time, we highly suggest investing the 10 dh (€ & euro; 0.90) entrance cost to see this amazing dwelling.
Extra interesting with a guide
Given that the royal residence is entirely vacant and there is really little information in English, we recommend booking a guided trip to make sure that you can take advantage of your browsing.
Arrange
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rest of the week: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Price
10 dirhams.
Transport
From Jemaa el-Fnaa, take the street Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid (on the edge of the restaurant Marrakchi). You'll locate the royal residence ahead of you.