El Badi Palace

Overview

El Badi Palace ("The Incomparable") was built between 1578 and 1593 by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour. Once lavished with gold, onyx, and Italian marble, today its ruins and sunken gardens host nesting storks.

Highlights

• Sunken gardens: Four gardens below courtyard level with orange trees and a central reflecting pool.
• Stork colonies: White storks nest atop the ruined walls, especially in spring.
• Underground prison: Subterranean chambers where political prisoners were held.

History

Ahmed al-Mansour financed the palace with Portuguese ransom money. Within a century, Sultan Moulay Ismail stripped it to decorate his Meknes palace, leaving only skeletal walls.

Visitor Tips

• Combine with Saadian Tombs: A 5-minute walk separates the two.
• Sunset: Warm light on the red earth walls is spectacular.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.