The Medersa Ben Youssef, located in the heart of Marrakech, is one of the most impressive and visited monuments in the city. This madrasa, or Islamic school, was a center of learning that for centuries welcomed students from all over Morocco who wished to deepen their study of the Koran and other religious sciences.
With its exquisite architecture and rich history, the Medersa Ben Youssef is a must-see for visitors to the city.
What is a Madrasa?
The term“madrasa“(also written as medersa) refers to a traditional Islamic school where the Koran, Islamic jurisprudence and other religion-related subjects are taught.
In the case of the Medersa Ben Youssef, it was not only a place of teaching, but also of coexistence, since the students lived in its facilities during their academic training.
History of the Medersa Ben Youssef
The Medersa Ben Youssef was built in the 14th century under the reign of the Marinid dynasty and enlarged in the 16th century by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib. The madrasa was active for more than 400 years and housed more than 900 students at its peak.
Its name honors the Almoravid Sultan Ali Ben Youssef, who ruled Morocco in the 11th century and was a great promoter of education and knowledge.
After its closure in 1960, the Medersa Ben Youssef was restored and opened to the public as a historical monument, allowing visitors to admire its architectural splendor and immerse themselves in its past.
Architecture
The Medersa Ben Youssef is a sublime example of Islamic architecture, where every detail reflects the cultural richness of Morocco.
The central courtyard
The heart of the madrasa is a large central courtyard surrounded by columns and arches decorated with zellige mosaics, Arabic inscriptions and carved stucco. In the center is a fountain symbolizing spiritual purity, a key element in madrasa design.
Students’ rooms
The 130 rooms where the students resided are arranged on two levels around the courtyard. Although their rooms were small and austere, the collective spaces, such as the study rooms and prayer areas, were decorated in great detail.
The prayer room
The prayer hall, located at the end of the courtyard, is one of the most beautiful areas of the madrasa.
Its mihrab (niche indicating the direction to Mecca) is richly decorated with carved cedar wood, mosaics and arabesques symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.
Curiosities of the Medersa Ben Youssef
- The inscription at the entrance: On the access door to the central courtyard there is an inscription in Arabic that says: “We promise you that you will only find wonders here”. A statement that is undoubtedly true as you walk through this place.
- A haven for learning: For centuries, the madrasa welcomed students from different regions, becoming a place of cultural exchange and knowledge.
- A Saadid legacy: Its architecture reflects the influence of the Saadid dynasty, with unique details that can also be seen in other monuments in Marrakech, such as the Saadid Tombs.
Location, Hours and Price
The Medersa Ben Youssef is located in the medina of Marrakech, near the main souk and the Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Price: The entrance fee is approximately 50 dirhams (about 5 €).
It is advisable to combine the visit with other nearby sites, such as the Museum of Marrakech and the House of Photography.
Explore the Imperial Cities with Almanatour
The Medersa Ben Youssef is just one of the jewels that Marrakech has to offer. If you wish to explore not only this city, but also other iconic destinations such as Fez, Rabat and Meknes, the Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour from Marrakech is an ideal choice.
This tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the history, culture and architecture of Morocco, visiting its most emblematic monuments and discovering the essence of each city.
