Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa, in Marrakech

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a treasure of Islamic architecture, one of the finest Quranic schools of Morocco. The Marrakech audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this masterpiece of zellige, stucco and carved wood, in the heart of the medina.

A masterpiece of Islamic art

The Ben Youssef Madrasa was, for centuries, one of the largest Quranic schools of Morocco, where generations of students came to study the religious sciences. Magnificently restored, it spreads out around a vast central courtyard adorned with a pool, surrounded by galleries and dozens of small student cells. Its walls are covered with a decoration of exceptional finesse: colourful zellige, chiselled stucco, friezes of calligraphed inscriptions and carved cedar wood. A true jewel of Hispano-Moorish art, it is visited with respect, as a witness of spirituality and knowledge.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the vast courtyard with a pool, the galleries and the student cells, and the extraordinary decoration of zellige, chiselled stucco and carved cedar wood. The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a masterpiece of Islamic art. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect, in the heart of the medina.

Practical information

The Ben Youssef Madrasa lies in the heart of the medina of Marrakech, reachable on foot through the lanes. The visit has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary. A place laden with history and spirituality, it is discovered with respect; it is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What was the Ben Youssef Madrasa of Marrakech?

One of the largest Quranic schools of Morocco, where generations of students studied the religious sciences, famous for its decoration of zellige, stucco and carved wood.

Where is the Ben Youssef Madrasa?

In the heart of the medina of Marrakech, in Morocco.