Hello to all my friends in the Hive community,
I'm still continuing my little trip to Marrakech, that charming millenary city. Yesterday, I had the immense pleasure of visiting a jewel of Moroccan heritage: Dar El Bacha, located in the heart of the old Medina. I'd heard about it several times, but I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy this visit. For those with a passion for history, architecture or simply beauty, this place is a real gem to discover.
Even before entering, I could sense that this is an exceptional place. Dar El Bacha was built in the 1910s by Thami El Glaoui, one of the most influential figures in Morocco at the time. He was the pasha of Marrakech, a figure who was both admired and controversial, but who undeniably left his mark on the country's history. Just thinking that I was walking through a palace where he lived, where he received personalities from all over the world, gave me chills.
This palace has been magnificently restored and transformed into the Museum of Confluences, a place that showcases Morocco's rich heritage, both tangible and intangible. From the very first rooms, I realised that I was in a space that tells a story, not just through objects, but through atmospheres, textures, colours... everything speaks here.
The architecture of the building is quite simply extraordinary. I'm greeted by a verdant interior garden, adorned with soothing fountains and bordered by richly decorated lounges. The carved wooden ceilings literally took my breath away. Every motif, every detail, every curve seems to have been thought out with care and passion. The zelliges, the typical Moroccan earthenware tiles, gleam in a thousand shades in the natural light. You can feel the expert hand of the craftsmen who did this, and what struck me was the subtle European influence, particularly Italian, that creeps into the columns, arches and even the organisation of the rooms.
But it's not just a static museum. Dar El Bacha is a living place, steeped in history but looking to the present. I loved the exhibits: traditional wooden works, real pieces of art, finely chiselled, recounting the trades of yesteryear, popular beliefs and even the spirituality of Morocco. There is a depth to each object. And the most impressive thing is that some of the rooms already had integrated central heating systems, a real innovation for the time. I found that fascinating!
As it was the weekend, there were quite a few people there. I had to wait a long time to get in, the queue slowed me down a bit, I admit. I was almost discouraged, but once inside I completely forgot about the wait. The place is very well maintained, and you can feel the respect for its heritage. You walk through the rooms as if you were stepping into the past, but with all the comforts and cleanliness of a modern venue.
I took a moment to sit under a large window, looking out over the central garden opposite. I stayed there, observing the garden, the columns, doors and mosaics, letting myself be carried away by the scents and shadows of the place. I felt as if I'd travelled through the centuries.
I think what I appreciated most, beyond the visible beauty, was the historical and cultural depth of the place. Dar El Bacha is not just a pretty palace: it is a vibrant testimony to a refined, mixed, creative Morocco, looking to the future without ever denying its past. It's a place where you can really feel the meeting of different cultures, hence the apt name of ‘Museum of Confluences’.
And then there's the famous Bacha Café, which I couldn't wait to discover. The reputation of this café is well established: their coffee is said to be one of the best in the country. There were too many people and a long queue to get a table, and since it's the month of Ramadan I had to settle for just a quick glance from afar. That's for another time, I promised myself I'd come back to enjoy the coffee and make the most of it.
If you're passing through Marrakech, don't hesitate for a second. Take the time to visit this palace. It's open every day except Monday, from 9am to 6pm. And I strongly advise you to go during the week if you want to avoid the crowds. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope this post will inspire you to discover this place for yourself.
See you soon!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
Photos taken by my own phone (Redmi Note 11).
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