Bahia Palace was created in two major phases during the second half of the nineteenth century: first around Si Moussa’s residence, then transformed by his son Ba Ahmed between 1894 and 1900.
Researched and updated 22 September 2026.
Si Moussa and the first residence
The earlier complex included the large riad, northern courtyard and associated buildings. Inscriptions date the completion of this phase to 1866–1867, establishing the core that Ba Ahmed would later absorb into a much larger residence.
Ba Ahmed builds Bahia
Beginning in 1894, Ba Ahmed acquired neighbouring houses and connected them into a palace of courts, salons, gardens and service spaces. The work continued until 1900 under master builder Mohammed Ben Mekki Mesfioui.
From residence to monument
During the French Protectorate the palace served the Resident General in Marrakech. After independence it entered the Royal Domain, then opened to the public in 1998 under the Ministry of Culture as a protected historic monument.