Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: tourist attractions in marrakech

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • El Badi Palace.

    One of the must-see attractions in Marrakesh

    El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor of the Saadian dynasty.

    The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.

    Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings.

    The palace was home to the sultans harem and included over 500 women.

    Now, only the ruins remain.

    After Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor died in 1603, the palace fell into neglect and was subsequently stripped away with the materials being used for other buildings in Morocco.

    The palace is certainly worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the ruling elite centuries ago.

    The exhibition space contains the Almoravid Minbar, which is a finely decorated pulpit that once  stood in the Koutoubia Mosque.

    It also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions.

    The underground chambers contain information and photographs about the palaces history.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls.

    El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district of Marrakech and a popular tourist attraction.

    The courtyards are impressive, and the nesting storks on the towers give it a magical feel.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    You get a sense of the grandeur of the Saadian dynasty, and there’s a feeling of peace and tranquillity within the walls of the once opulent palace.

    El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • The Saadian Tombs.

    A discovery from the air led to this amazing attraction being opened up to the public

    One of the tourist attractions in Marrakesh is the Saadian tombs.

    Rediscovered in 1917, they have become a historical landmark dating back from the late sixteenth century.

    Built by the Saadian dynasty, they house the mausoleums of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor and his family.

    The architecture is very impressive, with detailed stucco work, intricate mosaic tiles, and carrara marble.

    The main mausoleum is incredible, and there are usually very long queues to get to see it.

    It’s definitely recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting for sometimes more than an hour in the heat.

    The Saadian tombs are very decadent, with a mixture of Morroccan, Andalusian, and European styles.

    They showcase the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Hidden for centuries, they were spotted through aerial photography and are now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakesh.

    Located in the Kasbah next to the mosque, the opening times are;

    9.00am – 5.00pm

    The price of entry is 70 dirhams.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Le Jardin Secret.

    Le Jardin Secret is located inside the medina.

    It’s a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the madness of the souks, and Jamaa el Fna.

    It is a little oasis with exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings.

    There is a beautifully painted pergoda in the centre.

    It comprises of two large gardens and one of the highest towers in the medina.

    There is a museum, boutique, and two coffee shops on site also.

    Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century.

    It is the perfect example of Islamic art and architecture, and you can read all about its history inside the museum.

    The beautiful gardens of Le Jardin Secret

    The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other floral plants and shrubs.

    The sound of birdsong and toads in the little pond feels like a world away from outside the walls.

    As you wander around the tranquil gardens, you forget you are inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles and donkey carts.

    There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens to sit peacefully and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty surrounding you.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret is located at,

    121 Rue Mouassine

    Marrakech 40030 Morocco.

    Opening times vary depending on the time of the year.

    It costs 100 dirhams to enter.

    It is wheelchair user-friendly.

    The cafe has a nice selection of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads with fruit and vegetable smoothies, hot and cold drinks, and homemade cakes.

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  • Bahia Palace.

    Bahia Palace is a stunning, 19th century palace in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the city, and it’s quite spectacular.

    The rooms are decorated with stuccos, paintings, and mosaics to capture the essence of Islamic architecture.

    The word Bahia means  ‘brilliance’ in Arabic, reflecting the splendour of Islamic art and architecture.

    It is necessary to book tickets prior to visiting the palace as queues can be extremely long.

    They cost 70 dirhams each, and the palace is open from 8.00am-5.00pm daily.

    The courtyard is stunning, and all the rooms open out onto it.

    It is rather grand and very spacious with a fountain in the centre and intricate tile work typical of Morroccan culture.

    There is also a 2-acre garden surrounding the palace.

    There are orange trees lining the route up to the entrance of the palace.

    When Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the Bahia palace was used as a royal residence. This was until King Hassan II transferred it to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.

    The building then became a cultural icon and tourist attraction.

    Bahia Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakech.

    It is best to arrive as close to opening time as possible to avoid the crowds.

    That way, you can spend time reading about the history of the palace and enjoying the experience.

    I would recommend visiting Bahia Palace.

    It’s gives you a good understanding of Islamic culture and the fine craftsmanship that defines it.

    If you enjoy looking at Islamic architecture, you could also visit Badi Palace in the Kasbah area of the city.

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