Al-Attarine Madrasa
مدرسة العطارين
A small, exquisitely decorated madrasa beside the spice market, right next to the Qarawiyyin Mosque.
The Al-Attarine Madrasa was built in 1323–1325, also under the Marinid dynasty. Its name means 'madrasa of the spice merchants,' as it stands at the entrance of the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market of the old medina. Smaller than Bou Inania, it is noted for its refined ornamentation and harmonious proportions. The courtyard has a central marble fountain. The walls feature, from bottom to top, geometric mosaic tile, Arabic calligraphy bands, carved stucco and cedar eaves. The bronze doors and chandeliers at the prayer hall entrance are also fine. From the small windows of the second-floor student dormitories, you can glimpse the rooftops of the Qarawiyyin Mosque (opening times vary). Admission is about 20 dirhams. The madrasa shares a wall with the Qarawiyyin Mosque, so visit both together, then head east along the lanes to the Coppersmiths' Square and the leather tanneries.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- University of al-Qarawiyyin
- Zawiya of Moulay Idris II
- Place Seffarine
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
- Fes el-Bali Medina
- Chouara Tannery
- Sahrij Madrasa
- Mosque of the Andalusians