Castles & palaces
El Badi Palace
Overview
El Badi Palace is a 16th-century ruin commissioned by a Saadi sultan. Originally decorated with materials such as Italian marble and Mali gold, the palace was later stripped, leaving behind expansive rammed-earth walls, large sunken courtyards, and underground passages. Travellers visit to see the scale of Saadi architecture and the historical layout of the royal court.
Getting There
The site is situated in the southern Medina. From Jemaa el-Fnaa in the city centre, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Petit taxis can drop visitors off near the southern Medina gates, followed by a short walk through pedestrian alleys.
Time to Allow
Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours on site to walk the courtyard, view the underground corridors, and step onto the terrace.
When to Visit
The grounds are largely open-air with little shade. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat, especially in summer. Midday can become crowded with tour groups, making morning visits quieter.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine your visit with these nearby sites:
- Al-Mansour Mosque (0.3km)
- Buraima Mosque (0.4km)
- Tiskiwin Museum (0.5km)
- Bahia Palace (0.5km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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