5 City Itineraries from Luxury Hotel Concierges Around the World - AFAR
"A historic 14th-century Islamic college offering rich architectural detail and cultural insight into the city's educational and religious heritage." - John Wogan
"Morocco's Most Breathtaking Koranic School Inscribed above the door of the Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakech reads the following: “You Who Enter My Door May Your Highest Hopes Be Exceeded.” It is an appropriate proclamation for what is arguably the most mind-blowing example of Islamic design and architecture within a Koranic school anywhere in the country. Founded in the 14th century, it was embellished by the Saadian dynasty in 1570withan ornate bronze doorway, elegant stuccoes, and a marble-tiled patio lined with elaborate mosaics. The prayer room, with its palm and pine cone motifs, looksdown into the courtyard from the students’ quartersandgives a splendid helicopter view of the space. During its heyday, the medersa had room for up to 900 students; it was given over to the city as a museum in the 1960s and has remained so ever since."
"Morocco's Most Breathtaking Koranic School Inscribed above the door of the Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakech reads the following: “You Who Enter My Door May Your Highest Hopes Be Exceeded.” It is an appropriate proclamation for what is arguably the most mind-blowing example of Islamic design and architecture within a Koranic school anywhere in the country. Founded in the 14th century, it was embellished by the Saadian dynasty in 1570withan ornate bronze doorway, elegant stuccoes, and a marble-tiled patio lined with elaborate mosaics. The prayer room, with its palm and pine cone motifs, looksdown into the courtyard from the students’ quartersandgives a splendid helicopter view of the space. During its heyday, the medersa had room for up to 900 students; it was given over to the city as a museum in the 1960s and has remained so ever since."
"Morocco's Most Breathtaking Koranic School Inscribed above the door of the Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakech reads the following: “You Who Enter My Door May Your Highest Hopes Be Exceeded.” It is an appropriate proclamation for what is arguably the most mind-blowing example of Islamic design and architecture within a Koranic school anywhere in the country. Founded in the 14th century, it was embellished by the Saadian dynasty in 1570withan ornate bronze doorway, elegant stuccoes, and a marble-tiled patio lined with elaborate mosaics. The prayer room, with its palm and pine cone motifs, looksdown into the courtyard from the students’ quartersandgives a splendid helicopter view of the space. During its heyday, the medersa had room for up to 900 students; it was given over to the city as a museum in the 1960s and has remained so ever since."
This was an amazing historical building. The craftsmanship that could be found throughout the school was amazing. Every detail was covered. There was an excellent explanation of the renovation process as well as a video explaining it's restoration. This was a highlight of our visit. It was very relevant especially given the fact that my daughter is studying fine arts in Barcelona and many of the architectural elements they had discussed this past year in Art History. Highly recommend!
Caroline Vieira
Google
It’s a really nice place! It was a bit crowded, but you can walk around easily and enjoy everything. The architecture is amazing, and once you start exploring the rooms, it feels magical—each one is different and makes you imagine what it was like when people used to live there.
To see everything and explore all the rooms, plan to spend at least 50min there.
Tickets cost 50 MAD (cash only), and you can get them easily at the entrance.
Stefanie Glanville
Google
Visited at lunch time with a short queue in front which moved really quickly, so could get straight in. It is really cheap to visit and a perfect place for some gorgeous holiday snaps. Full of history and great architecture this is a must see during your stay. My daughter had brought a shawl as she was wearing a shoulder-free dress but there were a lot of people without in case you missed yours.
S. O.
Google
Beautiful madrassa or Islamic School. Great for taking pictures and videos. Ticket was 50 dirhams per person. Superb representation of Moroccan design and architecture. Lots of beautiful rooms to explore. Best historical site in Marrakesh. Well preserved. Great artwork and tiles. Calm place for reflection. Not too busy but lots of tourists.
Norman Choi
Google
Historic building almost 500 yrs old. Stunning handcrafted walls and roofs, mass space and mysterious design. Suggest a good tour guide otherwise you don’t know what is the various rooms are for. Hope that the administration could provide more dry by information board and audio guide.
Monika Peruffo
Google
I was not prepared to see such sheer beauty and intricate details in sculpting marble, all in a boarding college where students studied sciences for centuries. A must if you are in Marrakesh.
50 dirhams per person, audio guide available for extra 30 dirhams.
Dževada Garić
Google
It is a must see in Marrakesh! Beautiful Islamic architecture which reminded me so much of Andalusia. It shows the importance if studying and acquiring knowledge in a calming and inspiring setting.
AbuAadam
Google
One of the main attractions of Marrakech. Worth a visit. Interesting history of the ancient school. Architecture is amazing. Gets very busy though. Allow one hour minimum. Ticket are 50 Dirhams which is purchased at the entrance.