El Badi Palace was constructed over a period of 25 years for the Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur during the Saadi dynasty; when it was completed in 1593, it was indeed “incomparable” (which is the translation of el badi). Although large portions of the palace have essentially been reduced to ruins (subsequent dynasties stripped the palace of its former grandeur and used the plundered materials to build their own palaces), the site is still remarkably impressive and is a must-see for all visitors to Marrakesh. The original building is thought to have included over 350 sumptuously decorated rooms, a grand hall, and a central pool that was almost twice Olympic size. Today you can explore subterranean passages and sunken gardens as well as several pavilions/summer houses, stables, and dungeons.

Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh, Kingdom of Morocco, Phone: +21-25-24-37-81-63

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