El Badi Palace
Ruined, sun-bleached, and quietly atmospheric — a different kind of palace visit.
What it is
Built in the 1500s by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur to celebrate a military victory, El Badi Palace ("the incomparable") was once decorated with gold, marble and precious stones — most of which was stripped a century later to decorate the palace in Meknes, leaving the vast red-clay structure you see today. Rather than diminishing the site, the emptiness is part of its appeal: sunken orange groves, towering walls, and a huge central court where storks now nest along the ramparts.
What to expect
This is a "walk and absorb" site rather than a room-by-room museum. You can climb sections of the ramparts for views over the Medina and out toward the Atlas Mountains on a clear day. It's less crowded than Bahia Palace, making it a good choice if you want a slower, quieter stop.
Practical details
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Accessibility: Mostly flat with some uneven ground; rampart access involves stairs.
- Combine with: Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs are both a short walk away, making a natural southern-Medina loop.