MARRAKECH CITY GUIDE / BEN YOUSSEF MEDRASA

Part three of the Marrakech city guide

I first heard about the Ben Youssef Medrasa (which is sometimes referred to as the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa) in a Lonely Planet pocket guide to Marrakech. The pictures of the intricate designs carved into the old wood of the Medrasa immediately caught my eye, and so we made a plan to visit.

So, what exactly is the Medrasa? This richly historical and peaceful space is a former college of Islamic studies; a theological school. The Medrasa takes its name from Ali Ben Youssef who served as the head of Marinids while they were in power in the mid-fifteenth century. Although, the college was actually rebuilt entirely by the Saadians more than a hundred years after Ali Ben Youssef had died.

Bordering the main courtyard are corridors of dormitories, where the students would have once studied and slept. At its busiest, the school housed 900 students, making it the largest theological college in North Africa.

The grand entrances and typical Moroccan archways draw attention to the courtyard, where the tiled pool is the main feature. Though the pool was drained when we visited, the bright colours still capture your attention and it is easy to imagine what it would have been like in the courtyard on a busy, hot day.

The Medrasa is a little tricky to find, however, it is definitely worth putting in a little extra effort for. The entrance is rather nondescript and down a quiet road around the corner from the Medina area and the souks there. There are signs on the walls as you get closer, so keep an eye out for those.

The Musée de Marrakech

When we visited the Medrasa, we had been told to buy a multi ticket at the Musée de Marrakech which is right around the corner, as this would work out cheaper to see both attractions. However, we were told that we had to buy the tickets separately, and so we did. The Medrasa converted to around £1.50 so that wasn't a problem. 

The Musée de Marrakech has a slight orange tint to the windows which gives the inside a calm sepia effect

The museum was good, though it was a little more empty than we're used to seeing at a London museum, for example. However, as it is very close to the Medrasa, and about forty dirhams (£3-4), it's worth a look - even just to see the beautiful tiling throughout, including this beautifully decorated fountain, and the unique roof of the main room. 

Heading up to the Medina and these parts was definitely worth it for me.