What is it?
A 16th-century Quranic school (medersa) built in 1565 by Saadian Sultan Abdallah Al Ghalib. Built beside the Ben Youssef mosque – originally Marrakech’s main mosque – it functioned as a school training Islamic scholars in Islamic law, jurisprudence and variant readings of the Quran. In its heyday it was the largest medersa in North Africa and attracted up to 800 students.
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exemplar of Hispano-Moresque design and decoration that absolutely dazzles after nearly four years of painstaking restoration. Its exquisite central patio is paved with Italian marble and surrounded by intricate zellij (mosaic) tiling, carved stuccowork and cedarwood, while around it on the first floor are some 130 student dorms grouped around sunlit courtyards. In one of them you can see a video showcasing the master artisans involved in the restoration.
Tickets, accessibility and booking
Tickets are a very affordable 50MAD (around £4) and can be bought at the entrance. The magnificent main courtyard is the only area of the site that is wheelchair accessible.
Where’s good to eat near the Medersa Ben Youssef?
A six minute walk south through the souqs will bring you to L’Mida at the edge of the Spice Square. It serves a delicious Moroccan menu brought up to date by chef Narjisse Benkabbou. The sunny terrace seating is a bonus.
