The story of the Ben Youssef Madrasa
The madrasa was founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 1560s by the Saadian sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib. For centuries it was one of the largest Islamic colleges in North Africa, housing students in small rooms around its courtyards.
Its central courtyard, with a rectangular pool, is covered from floor to roof in zellige tilework, carved stucco and cedar wood. After restoration, it reopened to visitors in 2022.
