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Photo: aconcagua (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The palace complex is extensive, with ruins, courtyards, underground passages and exhibitions. The terrace offers views over the surrounding Medina and the Atlas Mountains on clear days. Allow around 45–90 minutes to explore the main areas. Visitors should check current information before travelling. (updated Aug 2026)
This article describes notable landmarks, architecture, and museums in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.
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An ornate palace complex built in the late 19th century, with courtyards, gardens, richly decorated rooms and traditional Moroccan architectural details. The palace was begun in the 1860s by Si Moussa, grand vizier to Sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, and greatly expanded in 1894–1900 by his son Ba Ahmed, Grand Vizier to Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz. The main complex covers almost 2 hectares and has about 150 rooms. The main entrance is on Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid. The palace is relatively close to other attractions in the southern Medina and can be reached on foot from Jemaa el-Fnaa. Arriving shortly after opening can be useful for visitors who want to avoid the busiest periods.
Synagogue which is not only a place of worship with a beautiful open courtyard, but also includes interesting displays about Judaism's varied history in Morocco, including photos of Jews in the Berber Mountains.
Musée d'art culinaire Marocain
If you are interested in food and eating culture, you will enjoy this museum. Audiovisual information about the rich culinary culture of Marocco, its ingredients, techniques and traditions. You can also touch and smell many things. They also sport a very well equipped cooking school.
Saadian Tombs. The tombs were built in the 16th century as the dynastic necropolis of the Saadian dynasty. The complex includes the Chamber of the Twelve Columns, the Chamber of the Mihrab, the Chamber of the Three Niches and the garden tombs. The site was rediscovered in 1917 and subsequently restored and opened to visitors. The site is relatively compact and most visitors can see the main areas in 20–30 minutes. The Chamber of the Twelve Columns cannot be entered: visitors look in from an opening at its edge, originally a window in the eastern wall, and often have to wait for a turn. The entrance passage is narrow, so arriving early can help avoid queues.
The largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco, characterized by white-washed tombs and sandy graves. The men selling tickets are full of interesting information about the cemetery but you have to ask.
Tourists-oriented in good sense: couples can have hammam together in a private room. Extensive list of massages and spa treatments from 30 min to a full day. Reception and attendants are proficient in speaking English, however, the scrubbing and massage personnel speak only very basic vocabulary. You need to book two days in advance.