Bahia Palace, 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakech, Morocco
Entry costs 10 dirhams; open daily from 8am to 6pm
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OK, hopefully we've all recovered now from the bad side of Marrakech, so it's time to go back to the beautiful side of Marrakech. Ladies and gents, I give you the Bahia Palace, which is exactly that. It is beautiful, an absolute refuge away from the crowded and dusty streets of Marrakech. Look at those oranges to the left - I wanted to pluck one from the tree and pose like I was in a No Doubt video. Who's with me?!
But, if you've just arrived at the entrance of the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs is still on your to-do list, turn around, put down that orange, and head there now. It's about a ten minute walk away, and you'll thank me for doing it in this order. Go on, off you go! Everyone else, keep reading.
The Bahia Palace - meaning beautiful or brilliance, depending on who you talk to - is exactly those two things. Completed at the turn of the 19th Century by Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan, it was basically a harem for his wives and concubines. Don't let that put you off, and just take a look at what's inside (you can click on the images to see them in their full-size glory with *all* the detail):
Both beautiful and brilliant, right? For an entry fee of 10 dirham, about 70p, you *have* to make sure that Bahia Palace is on your Marrakech to-do list. Look up, look down, and look all around you and you'll see the most gorgeous craftsmanship - what more could you ask for? x
Gorgeous greenery that will make you forget that you're in, you know, Africa.
Colourful flowers and towering palm trees.
Doors, doors, doors galore!
Breathtaking ceilings.
Gorgeous alcoves.
Wooden ceilings with the most stunning detail.
Impressive fireplaces.
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