Medersa Ben Youssef
Medersa Ben Youssef
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsEducational sites
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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See what travelers are saying
- Rich GEvesham, United Kingdom80 contributionsA MUST VISITWe went with a walking guide (organised by our Riad). His name was Azdin, and was excellent -- wish could review him !! Needs someone to explain the fullness of what you're seeing...it beautiful, but 1000% more interesting when you understand what you're looking at.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- AburelBucharest, Romania3,187 contributionsBeautiful architectureLocated in the Old Town, well preserved and reshaped later, it displays a lot of local architecture at its best. The combination of tiles and wood is intriguing and charming. The multitude of rooms offer a very interesting perspective.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 25, 2023
- NMWordsmith18 contributionsConverce of History and ArchitectureMedrassa ben youssaf is a historical masterpiece'masterpiece' blending intricate Islamic architecture with a tranquil ambiance. Thé building pavés the way into moroccan heritage . Or is a placé toi saoule visit f you seeking spiritual and artistic ri chness of Marrakech.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten December 5, 2023
- GtheKiwiMaastricht, The Netherlands138 contributionsWonderfully RestoredWent around 10:00 and were grateful as the place filled up one hour later. Definitely worth the visit to see all the wonderfully restored carvings, tiles etc. A lot of the rooms are also accessible although they are avoid of any embellishments like furniture. In a country where non-Moslims can't enter Mosques, this comes a close second.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 31, 2023
- Fngrsxd160 contributionsFine Moroccan architectureIt’s a picture pretty building with a large courtyard with a pool in the middle and plenty of small rooms (136in all) on two floors. Every wall, passageway and corridor are adorned with the rich mosaic work and intricate carvings. Can easier spend a couple of hours admiring the views.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 1, 2024
- Carol DAttadale, Australia64 contributionsBeautiful! A must visitStunning restoration and many rooms to explore. Beautiful craftsmanship on show (recommend watching the video). Only downside was the instagram crowd who seem obsessed with getting the perfect picture - regardless of others, take a picture & move on I say. It's a beautiful place but can be crowded.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 22, 2024
- Maksim BLondon, United Kingdom3,450 contributionsNice place to visitOne of the historical buildings to visit and be impressed with. Beautiful mosaics and really intriguing place where students uses to learn. Going on the second floor and looking through the small windows is worth it.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 29, 2024
- Danny SSugar City, Idaho21 contributionsWonderfulThis was wonderful madrasa (Islamic school) was the best preserved of the four we visited in Morocco. The architecture was stunning with fine zelij (tile-work) and wonderful some fantastic muqarnas. Be sure and visit the dorm rooms upstairs. We visited in afternoon and it was fairly busy. I imagine that if you visit in a higher travel season you'll want to arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 30, 2024
- Razwanakhaliq67 contributionsMadrassa in the middle of the souksVery very hard to find. Walked through the souks and just went in circles, despite having google maps on. A rogue trader offered to take us. He took us through windey alleys. I kept telling my brother not to follow him. Wanted a lot of money but we gave him eqivalant of £5 and walked off. The madrassa itself is gorgeous. Beautiful courtyard with student rooms surrounding it. It have been closed for a few years for renovation but its well worth the wait. Roughly £7 is the standard entry price for most places in Marrakech.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 19, 2024
- Chris G8 contributionsStunningWe stumbled across this one evening at 7pm, an hour before it closed. Was amazing discovery - beautiful architecture and carvings, interesting information boards, and tranquil space. Plenty of freedom to explore at our leisure, and not at all crowded.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Jason JG
Tucson, AZ46 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
This is supposedly an ancient madrasa but it is clearly contemporarily renovated. That does not mean it is not authentic. On the contrary, I mean it is taken good care of by the gov. The style is stunningly lavish and exquisite. The only thing I feel a little bit frustrating is the ticket price. It could be lower, such as 30-40 MAD instead of 50 MAD, because place is rather small and not that intensive from a traveller’s point of view.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saul g
Tel Aviv, Israel1,221 contributions
May 2022
On of the most important historical buildings in Marrakech.
The first Madrasa on this site was built in the mid 14th Cent. The current building was completed 200 years later. The Ben Youssef(Bin Yusuf/Ibn Yusuf) is considered to be the largest teaching/learning institute in North Africa . It was closed as a college in 1960 , and reopened as a historical site in 1982 .
We have found this building to be one the most stunning , and beautifully preserved buildings we have visited during our 14 days tour of Morocco .
Definitely a must see when in Marrakech .
Bring your cameras !!!
The first Madrasa on this site was built in the mid 14th Cent. The current building was completed 200 years later. The Ben Youssef(Bin Yusuf/Ibn Yusuf) is considered to be the largest teaching/learning institute in North Africa . It was closed as a college in 1960 , and reopened as a historical site in 1982 .
We have found this building to be one the most stunning , and beautifully preserved buildings we have visited during our 14 days tour of Morocco .
Definitely a must see when in Marrakech .
Bring your cameras !!!
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,348 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This 12th century Islamic School was built by the Almoravids. It is named after the son of Youssef Ben Tachfine, the founder of Marrakech. It was a fully functioning school till the 19th century. It suffered neglect during the French Protectorate. It was restored by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation. You can see the photos of disrepair and restoration in this building. You can also see lovely stucco, zellij mosaic, woodwork and marble inlay here. The contrast between the exquisite main hall and the bare student dormitories is worth seeing.
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank D
Slidell, LA1,361 contributions
May 2022
It's fascinating to go through this school and see where so many students have passed. It seems ironic that in the midst of the luxurious decor of this edifice the student cells are so small and sparse - monastic. As seems usual in the old buildings of Morocco, the craftsmanship and exquisite detail are wonderful to behold.
The sumptuously decorated Medersa of Ben Youssef is one of the finest examples of Saadian era artistry in Morocco. This theological college (completed in 1565), directly opposite the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, once homed 900 students and was the largest center for Quranic study in the country.
The sumptuously decorated Medersa of Ben Youssef is one of the finest examples of Saadian era artistry in Morocco. This theological college (completed in 1565), directly opposite the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, once homed 900 students and was the largest center for Quranic study in the country.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel7155
Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I visited 5 sites in Marrakech-
1) Medersa BennYoussef,
2) Badi Palace,
3) Bahia palace,
4) the Medina,
5) Secret Jardin Gardens.
I ranked the places I visited within the city in my favourite order as shown above with my favourite followed by my least favourite .
I liked the madrassah as it is very authentic and has very eye catching interiors with very colourful tiles and wall design . You can skip the over rated Bahia palace and see the same architecture as this place .
Secondly, the admission fee of 50Dirhams is more reasonable than the more expensive Palaces.
Thirdly, the place sounds and feels very reflective and the atmosphere it creates is that of a peaceful oasis - similar to the Badi Pakace .
Good place to visit for a 20-30 minute walk about and it helps that this place is quite central and is snack in the middle of the Medina so it is pretty central .
1) Medersa BennYoussef,
2) Badi Palace,
3) Bahia palace,
4) the Medina,
5) Secret Jardin Gardens.
I ranked the places I visited within the city in my favourite order as shown above with my favourite followed by my least favourite .
I liked the madrassah as it is very authentic and has very eye catching interiors with very colourful tiles and wall design . You can skip the over rated Bahia palace and see the same architecture as this place .
Secondly, the admission fee of 50Dirhams is more reasonable than the more expensive Palaces.
Thirdly, the place sounds and feels very reflective and the atmosphere it creates is that of a peaceful oasis - similar to the Badi Pakace .
Good place to visit for a 20-30 minute walk about and it helps that this place is quite central and is snack in the middle of the Medina so it is pretty central .
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raoul Rongen
Sittard, The Netherlands1,308 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Going as early or late in the day as possible is recommended to avoid the crowds. Especially if you want to take photos without crowds of people in them.
Simply purchase your entrance fee at the door if you do not want a tour/guide. Costs approximately 5 euros per person.
There are some signs with additional information in the different areas.
The building is beautifully maintained and when the sun shines it looks even better.
You don't need more than half an hour/forty-five minutes for this activity.
Simply purchase your entrance fee at the door if you do not want a tour/guide. Costs approximately 5 euros per person.
There are some signs with additional information in the different areas.
The building is beautifully maintained and when the sun shines it looks even better.
You don't need more than half an hour/forty-five minutes for this activity.
Written January 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Almeria2000
Almeria, Spain511 contributions
Jan 2023
50dh (approx €5) entry to the now reconstructed largest and most important Islamic school in Morocco. There are guides, but I do not know how much they charge.
The school was built for 900 students who specialized in religious studies, law and theology. It is interesting to see their cells/rooms, which range in size, decor and outlook.
The school was built for 900 students who specialized in religious studies, law and theology. It is interesting to see their cells/rooms, which range in size, decor and outlook.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances B
Yorkshire, UK2,726 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
The Ben Youssef Madrasa in my opinion is definitely worth a visit, if only to view the amazing architecture and the intricate craftsmanship on show.
It wasn’t very busy when I visited. The building dates back hundreds of years and it’s original purpose was as an Islamic college, teaching the 900 students living there the teachings of the Quran.
There are some wonderful photography opportunities.
While I was wandering around I was approached by an older gentleman who identified himself as an Imam and told me he had worked at the school for over 40 years. He was very knowledgeable and took me on a brief tour of the building. I learned and saw so much more as a result of meeting him. On the conclusion of the ‘tour’ he asked for some money and a small donation was duly provided.
It wasn’t very busy when I visited. The building dates back hundreds of years and it’s original purpose was as an Islamic college, teaching the 900 students living there the teachings of the Quran.
There are some wonderful photography opportunities.
While I was wandering around I was approached by an older gentleman who identified himself as an Imam and told me he had worked at the school for over 40 years. He was very knowledgeable and took me on a brief tour of the building. I learned and saw so much more as a result of meeting him. On the conclusion of the ‘tour’ he asked for some money and a small donation was duly provided.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
billialesi
Derbyshire, UK101 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Breathtaking detail, truly stunning, looked after. We wanted to beat the crowds so arrived just after 9am and it was worth it. The August heat wasn’t a problem at this time, and the picture opportunities were perfect. It doesn’t take long to look around the whole place, but it is interesting and only cost 50 dirhams per person, definitely worth it.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valentin
Worms, Germany14 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
The building is really impressive. There is so much love for detail in it. No matter where you look you see shapes and small works of art. It's really beautiful. Wandering through the small rooms is a kind of time travel, you almost feel like a student hundreds of years ago. The only downside is that it is really very crowded. Instragram pictures without other people in the courtyard are very heavy. But otherwise very nice. The price of 5€ for non-Moroccans is also perfectly fine.
Automatically translated
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salve, serve prenotare il biglietto di entrata ? C’è un limite per gli ingressi giornalieri ?
Written July 20, 2022
Bonjour,
Savez vous si le lieu a réouvert ?
Merci beaucoup,
Ali
Written October 25, 2020
Hallo,
Er staat under construction tot 2020. Echter kan ik nergens vinden of het al open is... weet iemand dit? Wij willen graag een bezoek brengen aan Ali Ben Youssef eind februari 2020.
We horen graag. Vast dank.
Written February 2, 2020
Geen idee...in November waren de werken nog volop bezig...misschien best ff checken
Written February 3, 2020
Jak mogę kupić bilety do Medresy przez trip advisor?
Written February 1, 2020
Ciao a tutti! Io saro' a Marrakech il 5 di Febbraio. Qualcuno sa dirmi se la struttura e' ancora chiusa per restauro oppure no.? Sto diventando pazza tra siti, forum e quant'altro.. (:
Grazie in anticipo
Written January 29, 2020
Sorry, I can't answer this one...we were there in November and then it was closed, but I suppose it still is....
Written February 1, 2020
I am going 8 february 2020. Is it still closed now? Will it still be closed in february 2020? Hard to find any information online or on their website.
Written January 12, 2020
I don't know 883afrar...I was there on hollidays but if I saw the amount of work that still had to be done, I'm afraid it's still closed...
Written January 12, 2020
Ciao Mariasoleluna,
andrò a Marrakech la settimana del 14 ottobre , pensavo che fosse ancora chiusa invece ho letto il post non è così...
Grazie
Anna
Written October 1, 2019
Ciao Anna. Io sono tornata ieri da Marrakech, la Madrasa è chiusa, gli operai ci hanno detto per almeno due anni. Sui vari siti tipo visitmarrakech e altri si guardano bene dall’avvisare, solo qui (medersa-ben-youssuf punto com, nella pagina tariffe e orari) ho trovato conferma, ma purtroppo dopo averlo costatato di persona.
Written October 8, 2019
Am I right in thinking that it will be closed for refurbishment when I go at the end of the year? I wouldn't want to waste time looking for it if you can't go inside which would be a shame as looks gorgeous.
Written September 11, 2019
That is correct. I’ve heard numerous dates that it will re open, but no one has mentioned this year
Written September 12, 2019
Confirmation - it is definitely closed
We spent an hour tracking it down, and it is closed for renovations. It doesn’t say this anywhere on the trip advisor page (they are still selling tours) and speaking to the workmen it will be closed for the next 2 years.
Written August 17, 2019
Closed
Closed
Closed
That is the final word from Marianne who first hand witnessed the massive construction job . It will not be open on 2020 in my estimation unless a kind wealthy benefactor throws lots of money at the project.
Written August 19, 2019
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