Commissioned in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the Badi Palace was a celebration of his victory over the Portuguese army. The palace was built using the most luxurious materials, including gold, turquoise, and crystal, and it took over 25 years to complete. For a century, it was the center of political and cultural life in Marrakech.

However, the glory of the Badi Palace was short-lived. In the 17th century, the Saadian dynasty fell, and the new ruler, Moulay Ismail, stripped the palace of its treasures to build his own palace in Meknes. What remains today is a breathtaking shell of its former self, a testament to the fleeting nature of power and the enduring beauty of Moroccan architecture.