Description of the attraction
Bahia Palace in Marrakech is a true masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, which is the main attraction of the city. Construction of the palace began in 1880 and ended in 1900. The building was erected by order of the Grand Vizier of Marrakesh, Si Ahmed bin Moussa, for one of his wives.
During construction, the Grand Vizier continued to acquire new plots, so the plan of the palace was constantly changing. Most of the chambers were completed separately, as a result of which the building of the palace began to resemble a huge labyrinth. Like most other Arab-Andalusian-style buildings, Bahia Palace has a lovely garden, a charming patio and many chambers decorated with patterned wooden ceilings and exquisite stucco moldings.
The older part of the palace consists of a garden with cypresses, oranges, banana trees and fountains. The new part was already being built during the reign of Sultan Abd al-Aziz. This work was carried out by the renowned architect Muhammad bin Al-Maqqi al-Misfiv.
The luxury and beauty of the palace could not leave alone the matured Sultan Abd al-Aziz, becoming an object of envy, therefore, after the death of the vizier Sidi Musa, he simply plundered the palace.
From the outside, the vizier's house hardly resembles a palace. Fearing to cause jealousy among the people, the sultan ordered to avoid any decorations outside. At the same time, the inside of the palace amazes with its wealth and beauty. Carved wooden decorations, national mosaics, painted doors and ceilings made of cedar, cause special admiration for the guests who visited the palace.
Today, out of 150 palace halls, only the apartments on the ground floor are accessible for visiting. The ceremonial hall, decorated with cedar from Meknes, enjoys great attention of visitors. From here you can get into the grand courtyard, lined with expensive Carrara marble and surrounded by columns decorated with traditional arabesques. Here you can also admire the wonderful fountains of Meknesian marble.
