Souks of Marrakech
Labyrinthine market alleys stretching north from Jemaa el-Fna, selling everything from hand-woven carpets and leather goods to aromatic spices and traditional lanterns.
Ben Youssef Madrasa: Marrakech's Finest Islamic College
North Africa's largest historic Islamic college, a 14th century masterpiece of zellige, carved cedar, and intricate stucco artistry.
About the Madrasa
Founded in the 14th century, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic college in North Africa, housing up to 900 students. After extensive restoration, it reopened as a museum showcasing spectacular zellige tilework, carved cedar, and intricate stucco — some of the finest examples of Moroccan artistry in the country.
The central courtyard features a large marble basin surrounded by arcades of carved stucco and cedarwood. Every surface is covered in geometric patterns, calligraphy, and floral motifs.
Practical Information
Entry: 70 MAD. Open daily 9:00–18:00. Allow about 1 hour to appreciate the intricate details. Photography is allowed. The madrasa is located in the northern Medina, a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna through the souks.
Combine your visit with the nearby Museum of Marrakech and Almoravid Koubba, all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Don't miss the Maison de la Photographie just 3 minutes away, and walk through to Dar el-Bacha for another stunning palace experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry costs 70 MAD (about 7 EUR). The madrasa is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Photography is allowed and no guide is required, though a guide can provide interesting historical context.
Plan about 1 hour to properly appreciate the intricate zellige tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood details. Photography enthusiasts may want longer, as every surface offers remarkable patterns and compositions.
No, the madrasa stopped functioning as an Islamic college in 1960. After extensive restoration, it reopened as a museum and is now one of Marrakech's most visited historical monuments.
The madrasa is in the northern Medina, about a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna through the souks. Follow signs for the Museum of Marrakech, as the madrasa is right next to it. The walk through the souks is part of the experience.
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