Brilliant beautiful bahia

Built in the 1800s, this Marrakech palace is an insight into the luxury of nobility and a beautiful example of Moroccan and Islamic art.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated:

Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

The Arabic word ‘bahia’ means ‘beautiful’ or ‘brilliance’. To name the house you’re building ‘Bahia Palace’ would be quite a boast – except, as it turns out, in the case of the Moroccan compound of that name in the city of Marrakech. Here, it is more than apt.

Bahia Palace was built in the second half of the 1800s in two stages. Firstly by a man called Si Moussa who had risen from being a slave to the grand vizier of the Sultan of Morocco.

When he died, the construction and decoration was expanded by his son, Bou Ahmed, who was not only also grand vizier but also effectively the ruler of the country because the new sultan he served was just a teenager.

Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

There’s no symmetry or planning to Bahia Palace because of its haphazard construction over so many years as more land became available. Elegant rooms open onto courtyards or gardens that then have more doors into narrow passageways leading to private areas.

It could be a labyrinth but not one you want to escape from.

Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

Some of the best Moroccan artisans came to Marrakech from across the country to work on the palace.

Painted ceilings; tiled walls; ornate woodwork; classic columns; colourful windows; hanging lanterns; water features; fruit trees in courtyards; and mosaic floors.

Natural light illuminates most areas on this sunny morning and the colours are vibrant even a century after the art was first installed.

Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

In total, the palace compound is about eight hectares in size and has about 150 rooms. Only some of it is open to the public but it’s enough to see some of the best examples of the art and interior design – at least, those that weren’t stolen by the sultan when he raided the palace upon the death of Ahmed Ba.

Some parts were spared, including the marble-paved courtyard and adjoining apartments.

The streets of Marrakech around the compound have the hectic and somewhat dusty atmosphere expected here in the city’s medina… but inside these walls there’s a calm.

Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

There’s also a little glimpse into how the country’s nobility lived in the 19th century with the beauty and brilliance of Islamic and Moroccan-influenced luxury.

If you would like to see Bahia Palace and some other Marrakech landmarks with a local guide, you might be interested in one of these tours:

 

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN MARRAKECH

The most authentic style of accommodation is a riad in the medina – but they come in all shapes and sizes!

BACKPACKER

For a cool and safe hostel in a riad, have a look at Rodamón Marrakech.

BUDGET

A nice riad that is affordable and welcoming is Riad Dar Nadwa.

BOUTIQUE

For a stunning boutique option, I think 72 Riad Living is one of the best in the city.

LUXURY

And Riad L’Hôtel Marrakech is an absolutely stunning hotel, if you feel like splurging!

7 thoughts on “Brilliant beautiful bahia”

Leave a comment