The short answer
Yes. The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a Quranic college built in 1564–65 whose courtyard, a pool ringed by carved stucco, cedar and zellige, is often called the finest single room in the city. About 130 student cells sit above it. Allow 45 to 60 minutes, and go at opening or after 17:00 to see the courtyard without the crowds.
In more detail
Its official site gave daily opening from 09:00 to 19:00 when we checked in October 2026, with shorter hours in Ramadan, about 09:00 to 16:30. Pay at the door. Online sales were reported to be down at the time, so do not rely on them.
It is in the north of the medina, about 15 minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa through the souks. The Maison de la Photographie is a few minutes away, which makes a good pairing: the madrasa in the morning, then the photographs and the rooftop terrace.
The courtyard is on the ground floor and mostly level. The student cells are up steep stairs, and they are worth the climb for a sense of how small the rooms were.
Good to know
- Stand at the far end of the pool for the classic reflection.
- Climb to the cells for the view down into the courtyard.
- Combine it with the Maison de la Photographie nearby.