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The central courtyard and pool of the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech

Marrakech area

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Discover one of Marrakech’s finest Saadian monuments, known for its central courtyard, student rooms, carved cedar, stucco and zellij.

  • LocationNear Marrakech
  • TypeHistorical Site
  • Opening hoursDaily 9:00–19:00 (Ramadan: 9:00–16:30)
  • Entrance feeMAD 50

About Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa in the northern medina was commissioned in the 16th century by the Saadian sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib. Built around a central courtyard, it once accommodated students in rooms arranged across two levels and served as an important centre of religious learning. Its carefully worked cedar, stucco, calligraphy and zellij make the madrasa one of the strongest examples of historic Moroccan decorative architecture in Marrakech.

Carved calligraphy and stucco on the walls of the Ben Youssef Madrasa

Photos from Ben Youssef Madrasa

Visitor Information

Ben Youssef Madrasa is a ticketed historic site. Any displayed admission fee is visitor information for the Madrasa itself and is independent from any related Tour.

Entrance fee
MAD 50 · Adult, foreign visitor
Opening hours
Daily 9:00–19:00 (Ramadan: 9:00–16:30)

Official visitor information Verified on 5 Oct 2026

Things to Do in Ben Youssef Madrasa

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Tours in Ben Youssef Madrasa

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How to Get There

The madrasa is in the northern part of Marrakech Medina, close to the Marrakech Museum and Almoravid Qubba area.

Best Time to Visit

Visit early in the morning for a quieter courtyard and better views of the architectural details.

Travel tips

  • Look beyond the main courtyard and visit the upper student-room corridors to understand the building’s original function.
  • Pay attention to the contrast between carved stucco, cedar wood and geometric zellij.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Near Marrakech

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FAQs About Ben Youssef Madrasa

What was Ben Youssef Madrasa used for?

It served as an Islamic college where students studied and lived in rooms arranged around the complex.

Is Ben Youssef Madrasa from the Saadian period?

Yes. The present madrasa was commissioned in the 16th century by Saadian sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib.

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