About Al-Attarine Madrasa

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Intro

Located in the heart of the old Medina and on the edge of the spice and perfume market, Al-Attarine madrasa was built by the Merinid Sultan, Yacoub Abu Said Uthman in 1325 and designed to be as an annexe to the nearby university, Al Quaraouiyine. The name of this school was taken from Souk Al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.

Going on a tour inside the place, you will surely see the remnant of the Merinid artisanship with its fabulous Zellij, white carved plaster, and fascinating cedar wood. Few steps from the main entrance to the prayer room, you will be attracted by the skillful work of a tile cutter on the wall of the school, intricate carved stucco adorns the walls and carved and painted wooden arches frame the doorways with marble columns in strategic places.

It was not only meant to serve as a schooling place but also as a local mosque for the nearby neighborhoods and a place for official ceremonies as well as charitable affairs such as: guest house and a shelter for homeless people.

If there is just one building that you should seek out in Fez or, not to put too fine point on it, in Morocco, the Al-Attarine madrassa should be it.

Getting there

(MAP)

Transportation

There are plenty of transportation means that you can use to get there, but all of them depend on where you are staying:

• If you are staying in a hotel in the city center (La ville Nouvelle), you can take a taxi ( Petit Taxi) from your hotel to Batha Square then you can follow the signboards (available in French, English, and Arabic).

• If you are staying in one of those hotels or riads in the old medina, it would be better to follow the signboards or consult any of the travel agencies near you (we can add a list)

Time to spend there

15 to 30 mins

visiting hours

The place is open for public 7/24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Entrance fees

20 MAD ( 1,5 euro) / visitor

Nearby places

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Hanna Souq,