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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Palais de la Bahia, Marrakesh, Morocco


This site is not particularly old by Moroccan standards, but those are high standards indeed.  It was begun in the mid-19th century, but the embelleshment of the palace, which is what makes it so spectacular, was done at the end of the 19th century, employing the best artisans in the land for 14 years.  No wonder it is so amazing.  The one take home message from a trip to Morocco is that htis is a place where artisans still know how to use their hands.
 
The El Bahia palace is situated in the south of the Medina and is approached by a long garden driveway.Once inside you are directed by arrows on the wall which take you through a succession of rooms and courtyards.The decoration in the rooms with the tiling,carved wooden doors and ornate ceilings gives you a good idea of what is exquisite about Moorish architecture, especially if you are not venturing beyond Marrakesh.

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