El Badi Palace or Badi' Palace is a ruined palace located in Marrakesh, Morocco. It was commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty a few months after his accession in 1578, with construction and embellishment continuing throughout most of his reign. The palace, decorated with materials imported from numerous countries ranging from Italy to Mali, was used for receptions and designed to showcase the Sultan's wealth and power. It was one part of a larger Saadian palace complex occupying the Kasbah district of Marrakesh.
The central pool and courtyard of the palace, looking towards the remains of the western pavilion
Example of a Saadian-period marble panel looted from Marrakesh by Moulay Ismail, reused in his mausoleum
Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque, one of the objects on display in the palace today
The "Portuguese Plan" of 1585 depicts the Kasbah of Marrakesh during Ahmad al-Mansur's rule. The Badi Palace, enclosing four pools and gardens, is visible in the upper right.
The Kasbah of Marrakesh is a large walled district in the southern part of the medina of Marrakesh, Morocco, which historically served as the citadel (kasbah) and royal palace complex of the city. A large part of the district is still occupied by the official royal palace, the Dar al-Makhzen, which serves as the residence of the King of Morocco when he visits the city. The rest of the district consists of various neighbourhoods and monuments. It was founded by the Almohads in the late 12th century, with most of the construction carried out by Caliph Ya'qub al-Mansur. Two of its most important surviving structures today, the Kasbah Mosque and the main gate of Bab Agnaou, date from al-Mansur's reign.
Bab Agnaou, the historical main gate of Marrakesh's kasbah
The outer walls of the Kasbah
Jewish Cemetery of the Mellah