Imperial Cities Tours
Ben Youssef Madrasa Marrakech: What to See and the Best Time to Visit
Published November 4, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a 16th-century Quranic college in the northern Marrakech medina and one of the few religious buildings open to all visitors. Come at opening time for the courtyard without crowds, allow 45 to 60 minutes, and combine it with the Almoravid Koubba, the Marrakech Museum and Le Jardin Secret, all within a few minutes' walk.
History
A madrasa stood here from the 14th century, under the Marinid dynasty. The building you see was rebuilt and enlarged around 1565 by the Saadian sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib, and it became the largest Quranic school in Morocco, housing hundreds of students who came to study theology, law and grammar next to the Ben Youssef Mosque. It closed as a school in 1960, became a monument, and reopened in 2022 after a long restoration.
What to look for
- The courtyard. A rectangular pool reflects walls covered, from bottom to top, in zellige tiles, carved stucco and carved cedar. The symmetry is the point: stand at the end of the pool for the classic photo.
- The prayer hall. A domed room with a richly carved mihrab and a cedar ceiling.
- The student cells. More than 100 small rooms on two floors around little courtyards. They show how simple daily life was for students, a contrast with the splendour downstairs.
- The upper windows. Views down into the courtyard through carved wooden screens.
Best time to visit
Right at opening, or in the last hour before closing. Mid-morning brings tour groups and the courtyard fills quickly. Tickets are sold at the entrance, and hours change during Ramadan, so check locally on the day.
Four sights next door
| Sight | Why go |
|---|---|
| Almoravid Koubba | A small 12th-century domed pavilion, one of the oldest buildings in the city |
| Marrakech Museum (Dar Menebhi) | A 19th-century palace with a huge central courtyard and changing exhibitions |
| Maison de la Photographie | Historic photos of Morocco and a rooftop café |
| Le Jardin Secret | A restored riad garden with a tower view over the rooftops |
How to fit it in
The madrasa sits at the northern end of the souks, about 15 minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa. A good morning route: Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, Ben Youssef, the Koubba and Le Jardin Secret, then lunch on a roof terrace. It is day two of our 3 day Marrakech itinerary. Read the souks guide first, and compare with Fes, where the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas are equally beautiful.
A licensed guide on our Marrakech tours explains the symbols in the decoration and leads you through the souks without detours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ben Youssef Madrasa open to non-Muslims?
Yes. It is no longer a working school and is open to all visitors as a historic monument.
How long do you need at the Ben Youssef Madrasa?
About 45 to 60 minutes, including the student rooms on the upper floor.
Is the Ben Youssef Madrasa open after its restoration?
Yes. It reopened in 2022 after a long restoration. Check opening hours locally, especially during Ramadan.
What is near the Ben Youssef Madrasa?
The Almoravid Koubba, the Marrakech Museum, the Maison de la Photographie and Le Jardin Secret are all within a few minutes' walk.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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