Once the largest Quranic school in Morocco.
Ben Youssef Madrasa was once the largest and most important Islamic college in Morocco.
It was commissioned by Saadian Sultan Abdellah al- Ghaleb Assaadi in 1564-65 and named after the adjacent Ben Youseff mosque.
It’s a fascinating place with invaluable historical and cultural significance.
The spectacular Islamic architecture is absolutely breathtaking.
Students who studied at the Madrasa would learn all about religious science, mathematics, philosophy, and medicine.
The Madrasa attracted the best scholars and thinkers from the Arab Muslim world who left behind a great legacy.
Ben Youseff Madrasa has been beautifully restored.
Zellige tiles decorated with floral and geometric motifs, carved cedar wood doors and ceilings, and intricately crafted pillars showcase the quality of the craftsmanship.
It’s a prime example of stunning Islamic architecture.
There are approximately 130 dormitories and in it’s heyday as a koranic school, housed about 900 students.
The small rooms were just big enough for them to roll out their mats to sleep on.
The main focus for the students was study and prayer.
The rooms overlook the captivating courtyard, and tourists cram their way into them to have their photo taken standing in the window frames.
Ben Youseff Madrasa is one of the most touristic sightseeing spots in Marrakech.
Due to its popularity, you have to get there early to appreciate the serene, calm environment that the students would have lived in.
If you arrive later in the day, expect huge crowds and tourists to jostle with each other for photo opportunities.
I visited at opening time.
There were still queues waiting outside to witness the magnificence of Islamic art and culture the Madrasa is famous for.
The address is Rue Assoual, Marrakech 40000.
Opening times are from 9.00-7.00 every day with the exception of Tuesdays when it closes at 4.30.
The entrance fee is 70 dirhams.
There are guided tours available to book online, some with skip the line entry.
I didn’t bother booking a tour. There is information inside the Madrasa, which gave me an idea of what it would have been like studying there.
For a more detailed history, a reputable, knowledgeable guide would probably be helpful.
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