Marrakesh has launched a large-scale program to restore historic monuments damaged in the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, with work carried out according to traditional building methods and international seismic standards.
The restoration—entrusted to specialized firms and master artisans—covers iconic sites such as El Badii Palace, El Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, city walls, and several museums, many of which sustained only partial damage.
It should be recalled that, immediately after the earthquake, the Ministry of Culture implemented an emergency program to assess the damage, secure the structures, and launch priority works to allow the reopening of these monuments to tourists and visitors as early as October 2023.
El Badii Palace curator Hasna El Haddaoui told MAP that the site suffered partial damage in the Al Haouz earthquake, prompting emergency repairs before the launch of a MAD 31.7 million restoration program.
El Haddaoui said the 18-month restoration project is 40% complete, noting steady progress thanks to daily oversight by conservation technicians, the Historic Monuments Inspectorate, and the Regional Directorate of Culture in Marrakech.
For her part, Hanane Labchir, curator of El Bahia Palace, reported that the iconic monument suffered partial damage from the earthquake, including cracks and partial collapse of the grand riad and the Menzah (upper floor).
She added that just one month after the earthquake, the palace reopened to visitors following emergency repairs, noting that the overseeing ministry had first conducted a year-long study to prepare the restoration plan for this architectural gem.
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