Marrakech, Morocco - November 13, 2017: Old Islamic school of Ali Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakesh, Morocco; Shutterstock ID 1089558698; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Marrakesh images update

Ali Ben Youssef Medersa


Currently closed for restoration that's scheduled to finish in spring 2020, this Quranic learning centre was once the largest in North Africa and remains among the most splendid. ‘You who enter my door, may your highest hopes be exceeded’ reads the inscription over the entryway, and after almost six centuries, the blessing still works its charms on visitors. It was founded in the 14th century under the Merinids, but fully kitted out with its exuberantly ornate decoration in 1565 in the Saadian era.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Dar Bellarj

0.01 MILES

Flights of fancy come with the territory at Dar Bellarj, a stork hospital (bellarj is Arabic for stork) turned into Marrakesh’s premier arts centre. Each…

2. Musée de Marrakech

0.04 MILES

The Musée de Marrakech exhibits a collection of Moroccan art forms within the decadent salons of the Mnebhi Palace. The central internal courtyard, with…

3. Almoravid Koubba

0.06 MILES

The Almohads destroyed almost everything their Almoravid predecessors built in Marrakesh but overlooked this graceful 12th-century koubba (shrine) across…

4. Orientalist Museum

0.08 MILES

Opened in 2019 as a sister museum to MACMA in Gueliz, this small private gallery beautifully displays the big guns of Orientalist painting inside a 17th…

5. Chrob ou Chouf Fountain

0.12 MILES

Marrakesh's medina is dotted with public water fountains, but the Chrob ou Chouf ('Drink or Look') fountain still holds on to shreds of former finery with…

6. Maison de la Photographie

0.13 MILES

When Parisian Patrick Menac’h and Marrakshi Hamid Mergani realised they were both collecting vintage Moroccan photography, they decided to open a…

7. Musée de la Femme

0.14 MILES

Spread over three floors, Marrakesh's Museum of Women was launched in 2018 by a passionate bunch of locals intent on championing women's important role in…

8. Zawiya Sidi Abd El Aziz

0.15 MILES

On the corner where Rue Amesfah splits, note the jewel-like door with stained glass, centuries-old carved wooden lintel and plasterwork detailing in the…