El Badi Palace

Amazing ruins ! Once a palace of 360 rooms and so lavish, filled with gold and marble and crystal. The name El Badi Palace translated means Incomaparable Palace and I am sure it was way back in the late 1500's. The area it covers is vast and now, quite often, events are held here as it transforms into a very big arena. About 100 years after it was built is was demolished by the very ruthless and cruel Moulay Ismail. But he did a bit of recycling !! All the valuable materials were transplanted to Meknes where he created his own imperial city.

 

 

 

If you climb to the highest terrace you can look down on the 21st century bustle. Also from such a high point you can see many storks' nests, some even with occupants  !! The European stork spends it's winter in Africa and returns to the same nest for several years.  These are mighty big nests and both mother and father stork contribute to the construction. It is lovely to know they are seen as a good omen .

 

Comments

[Kelly James]

Wow - can you imagine building such a place 500 years ago without any modern-day tools and machinery?! Such a shame that the palace was destroyed - the ruins do look fascinating, though.

[Semiotiq]

I like the huge enclosed courtyard (if you can still call it a courtyard) full of trees, and good spotting of that occupied nest!