Madrasa Ben Youssef
Historical landmark · Marrakech ·

Madrasa Ben Youssef

Historical landmark · Marrakech ·

Islamic college: intricate tilework, carved wood, historic beauty

Madrasa Ben Youssef by Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock
Madrasa Ben Youssef by Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock
Madrasa Ben Youssef by Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock

Information

Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco Get directions

Information

Static Map

Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco Get directions

+212 5243 84112
medersabenyoussef.ma
𝕏
@mdrsabenyoussef

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Dec 13, 2025

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27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

How to Spend 3 Days in Marrakesh, Morocco

"A 14th-century former Islamic college that stands as one of the finest examples of Moroccan craftsmanship, notable for white stone floors, intricately carved wooden windows, glittering mosaic pools, geometric tile patterns, and plaster walls carved with elegant swirling designs." - Asia London Palomba Asia London Palomba Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, currently based in Boston. As a writer, Asia focuses on food, travel, and history, and has covered everything from the best travel products to bring on a trip India to medieval judicial duels. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/three-days-in-marrakech-morocco-8753342
Madrasa Ben Youssef
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

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

https://www.afar.com/magazine/hotel-concierge-recommendations
Madrasa Ben Youssef
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

The Best Things to Do in Marrakech
Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock
Ibn Youssef School
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

The Perfect Day in Marrakech
Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock
Ibn Youssef School
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

The Perfect Weekend in Marrakech
Photo by Isidoro Ruiz / age fotostock
Ibn Youssef School

Weronika D.

Google
Great place to see — we ended up spending much more time here than expected. It’s fascinating to walk through and really feel like you’re stepping back in time within the old school’s walls. It does get very crowded, so keep that in mind, but it’s still absolutely worth a visit.

brent B.

Google
Once a bastion of learning in the region ,this amazing building has been restored to it's original glory. Light plays across the magnificent tiled walls and floors in each space. Small rooms fill the structure where students once studied various subjects. In the courtyard a beautiful water feature lies central to magnificent decorations sweeping the wall and door entrances. At the top of the multistory structure you can watch a film documenting the restoration of the building. The entrance fee is reasonable and queing at the time of our visit was not excessive.

Brittany D

Google
This is an historical landmark intended to preserve Marrakech’s architectural heritage. It is a beautiful site. I got there at 9:30am on a Friday and entered with ease and no wait. I suggest going early to beat the crowd around 10:30am. I paid 50 MAD to get in, which is reasonable (about $5 USD). There’s a lot of incredible and intricate work that went to preserving/revitalizing this building. You can get through it in an hour. I suggest getting a tour if you want to dig deep into the cultural and historical significance of the site. It’ll be a richer experience with that context. There are a few checkpoints with video in various languages for you to learn more about the building’s days as an educational institution.

Tapiwa Colleta C.

Google
One of the most beautiful and elegant spots in Marrakech. Its one of those that you shouldn’t miss at all. Best to go early before the crowds. But we went in late Nov so in general it was less crowds. Tickets are sold at the door and theres order at the entrance.

Justin M

Google
Nice and pretty, but we went here after 2 weeks in Morocco, seeing so many beautiful roads, medrassaz, etc. that by the time we got to this one, it wasn’t as stunning as we thought it would be. If you are staying in Marrakech and are not exploring much of the country, this is a must see. If you have see lots of beautiful Moroccan architecture, you can probably make this a quick 30 mins stop like we did. Beautiful building nonetheless. They took cash only, no card. We were out of MAD, and they took our EURO instead 5 EUR each instead of 50 MAD.

Abu

Google
very beautiful place. the architecture is insane. ticket is 50MAD but i think that’s a bit expensive for this place. should be like 30 but for one time not a bad price. it’s a bit crowded but many spots to get a good pic of the building . sometimes u have to wait

Heather A A.

Google
Crawling with tourists, but definitely worth the visit. Of all the many sites you can visit in Marrakesh The architecture and colors are some of the best here. There’s lots of little nooks and crannies to take photos. Unfortunately, one of the most stunning spaces is constantly covered with tourist so you might have to fight for a stranger free photo.

Sara S.

Google
Excellent work to renovate the building. The school looks beautiful with the hand crafted details on the walls and floors. The museum has very informative and interesting details that you find during the tour