Traveling to Marrakech was a dream come true! It’s an exciting vacation for lovers of color, architecture, food, shopping, and a bit of chaos. You could easily get lost and lose track of time, spending your whole time in the city navigating the souks, but you don’t want to miss the Medina’s historic sites. If you are only in Marrakech for a short time, here are the 4 Must Visit Sites in the Historic Marrakech Medina.
Historic Marrakech
Bahia Palace
The breathtaking Bahia Palace (bahia means “brilliance”) was built toward the end of the 19th century by Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan, for his personal use. This amazing palace is a two acre collection of buildings, courtyards, fountains and gardens. It’s a wonderful example of Islamic and Moroccan art and architecture.
Saadian Tombs
Marrakech’s Saadian tombs date back to the late 16th century but were rediscovered and restored in 1917. A mausoleum for the Saadi Dynasty’s royal family, the complex holds dozens and dozens of tombs decorated with marble, intricate tile-work, and plaster carvings. The beautiful architecture and gardens make it a peaceful spot, and rightfully so, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bonus: Make a reservation for a Royal Hammam treatment at La Sultana Hotel right next door. It’s a great way to freshen up after a long day of sight-seeing in the heat.
Ben Yousef Medersa
Once one of the largest Islamic schools in North Africa, the Ben Yousef Medersa was built in the 14th century. Now it’s home to the most beautiful views in Marrakech. Marvel at the colorful tiles that fill the courtyard before heading inside to explore the 130 sparse dormitories where students of the Koran would have lived and studied.
El Badi Palace
Unfortunately, El Badi Palace was closed when we tried to visit it, but you should definitely put it on your list for Marrakech. These 16th century ruins were once a lavish palace that took over 25 years to build.
[Source: Wikipedia]
Have you visited any of these sites? Which was your favorite? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Since we couldn’t see El Badi Palace, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
[This article is part of a collection on Marrakech and Morocco. To see other articles in the collection, click here.]
