Marrakech advances restoration of historic palaces after Al Haouz quake

The city of Marrakech, a true architectural jewel of inestimable heritage value, has undertaken large-scale restoration of its historic monuments following the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake. The work is being carried out with respect for authentic construction techniques and international seismic safety standards.

Entrusted to specialized restoration firms, the project mobilizes artisans and maâlems working tirelessly to rehabilitate landmarks such as El Badii Palace and El Bahia Palace, while ensuring the preservation of their unique architectural character. Other monuments, including the Saadian Tombs, the city walls, and museums, withstood the quake but suffered partial damage in the form of cracks and localized collapses.

Immediately after the earthquake, the Ministry of Culture launched an emergency program to assess the damage, secure structures, and begin urgent repairs. This allowed the monuments to reopen to tourists and visitors as early as October 2023.

In a statement to MAP, El Badii Palace curator Hasna El Haddaoui said the site sustained partial damage, requiring urgent interventions such as clearing rubble and sealing cracks, before a full rehabilitation program was launched at a total cost of 31.7 million dirhams. She emphasized the complexity of restoring heritage sites, which requires strict technical measures and the involvement of study offices, laboratories, technicians, historians, and conservators. Multidisciplinary commissions are tasked with drafting detailed specifications before work begins.

According to El Haddaoui, restoration work—scheduled over 18 months—is now 40% complete, progressing steadily thanks to daily oversight from all stakeholders, including Conservation technicians, the Monuments Inspection Office, and the Regional Directorate of Culture in Marrakech.

At El Bahia Palace, curator Hanane Labchir reported partial damage as well, citing cracks and the partial collapse of the Grand Riad and the Menzah (upper floor). Just one month after the earthquake, however, the palace reopened to visitors thanks to emergency repairs. Labchir noted that the ministry first carried out a year-long study to establish specifications for restoration. Work on the palace’s structure, gardens, walls, and pavilions began a year ago and has now reached 30% completion.