Located in the heart of the hectic Marrakech medina is a tranquil and beautiful example of Islamic art/architecture – the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
A former Islamic college, now a beautiful historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the many wonderful sites in Morocco that remind visitors of the country’s cultural and intellectual legacy.
Whether you know it as Medersa Ben Youssef or Madrasa Marrakech, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the Ben Youssef Madrasa’s history, incredible features, and how best to visit it.
The History of Ben Youssef Madrasa
Madrasa Ben Youssef has a long history. The very first school built here was built in the fourteenth century by Marinid Sultan Abu al-Hasan.
However, the impressive building that still exists today began construction at the order of the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib.
This building was completed between 1564 and 1565 AD and is named after the Ben Youssef Mosque, built directly beside it by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ben Youssef.
This Ben Youssef Marrakech was an academic centre for more than four centuries, attracting students not only from all over Morocco but also from all over Andalusia. It offered a place to learn, pray, and mingle with fellow students. Students studied religious sciences, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics.
The History and Restoration of the Medersa Ben Youssef
The Madrassa Ben Youssef once housed 900 students across over 130 rooms and was the largest Islamic college in Morocco. The building was closed in the 1960s and refurbished before reopening in 1982.
After a significant renovation between 2018 and 2022, the medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech is now more beautiful than ever and ready to welcome thousands of visitors who come to admire its splendour from days gone by.
The Architecture of a Masterpiece
The Madrasa de Ben Youssef is a brilliant example of Moroccan craftsmanship. The layout of the madrassa in Marrakech is similar to earlier Marinid madrasas and consists of a central courtyard. The Madrasa is built on a nearly square plot (about 40 by 43 meters), with a single street entrance leading to a surprising revelation of space. The overall impression of the building is that, upon entering, one has an immediate view of the courtyard.
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The Main Courtyard
The central courtyard is the visual heart of the medersa Marrakech. There is a relatively large, shallow, reflective pool placed mid-courtyard, flanked by galleries decorated with zellij (mosaic tilework), stucco, and wood, ornamented with ornate arabesques. The geometric and floral motifs are dazzling.
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The Prayer Hall
To the southeast of the courtyard is the prayer hall. The prayer hall is equipped with a mihrab and also has the most lavish stucco decoration of all the spaces in the Madrasa.
The walls of Ali Ben Yousef Medersa are embellished with calligraphic friezes and symbolic designs with pentagons (representing the five pillars of Islam) and octagons (representing the eight gates to heaven).
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The Student Rooms
The student dormitory cells were in groups on levels one and two of the courtyard. These rooms are small and simple, just as the novice-scholars were when they lived and studied there.
The decorative elements in the Madrasa are a salute to Arab-Muslim civilization. You will see intricately carved cedar wood muqarnas cupolas and doors plated with bronze, adorned with interlacing geometric designs. The finer details of the architecture make the entire Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech a museum.
Practical Visitor Guide
Nothing beats being in the moment when you visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa. That said, for a quiet, reflective moment, I recommend staying on your own early in the morning to beat crowds and for the lighting for photographs to be good – the best time to visit Marrakech in general is during the spring or fall.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa Tickets: Cost: Entrance fees are 50 MAD for adults and 10 MAD for children 12 and under. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. You will need cash here.
- Time: Allow about an hour to explore the site and understand and appreciate its beauty and history.
- Accessibility: The Madrasa’s narrow halls, corridors, and stairs make it difficult for anyone with mobility issues to experience fully.
- Tours: The Madrasa is conveniently located in the medina and can be visited on your own or on a walking tour. It is an ideal addition to a day exploring nearby sites such as the Marrakech Museum, the souks, and Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Take Away
This beautiful Ben Youssef Madrassa has fantastic detail, and its tranquility makes it easy to understand why it is a great place to visit in Marrakech. After hearing about its long history and beautiful buildings, you can’t help but want to see it.
Every aspect of the Medersa Ben Youssef site tells a story from long ago, whether it is the massive courtyard before you enter or the smaller student rooms. It is a peaceful site to escape the busy city and capture sights of some of the most beautiful art and buildings in the country.
The recent restoration has made the now old school seem new again, proving that at least we can preserve some of the beauty and history for future generations to enjoy. If you get a Ben Youssef Madrasa ticket for a short visit or a guided tour, you will remember it.
FAQs
Is there a dress code to visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa?
While there is no strict dress code, it’s recommended to dress modestly out of respect. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for your visit.
Can I take photos inside the Madrasa?
Yes, you can take photos. To protect the old building and for the best light, it is best to avoid using a flash. Visit early for the best lighting.
Is the Madrasa accessible for people with mobility issues?
Because of its narrow halls and many stairs, the building is not fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility concerns.
