Bahia Palace

About this place

The Bahia Palace represents one of the most remarkable success stories in Moroccan political history. Construction began in the 1860s under Si Moussa, a former slave who rose through the ranks to become Grand Vizier under Sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. The oldest section, the Grand Riad, dates to 1866–1867 and features carved wood lintels and stained glass — thought to be the first use of stained glass as a decorative feature in North Africa. However, the palace reached its full grandeur under Si Moussa's son, Ba Ahmed, who became Grand Vizier in 1894 and effectively ruled Morocco as regent for the young Sultan Abdelaziz until his death in 1900. During these years, Ba Ahmed expanded the palace dramatically to accommodate his four wives and twenty-four concubines, adding the Small Riad, the Court of Honour, and a harem quarter. The name "Bahia" means "brilliance" in Arabic, reportedly named after Ba Ahmed's favorite wife. Following his death, the palace was looted by the Sultan himself, then served as the residence of the French Resident-General after 1912, and later as a royal residence for King Mohammed V before becoming a public heritage site.