About Medersa Bou Inania

One of the most perfect archaeological structures in Fez is Medersa Bou Inania which was built between 1351-1357 by Sultan Bou Inan. It was built originally to serve as a school for theology students. The perfection starts from the Entrance with the greetings you receive from the huge brass doors. After you enter, the courtyard with the most beautiful interiors is a masterpiece of Zellige Tilework. The beautiful cedar screens and the carved plasters welcome you with their sparkling beauty. You will see small halls on either side which serve as classrooms for students while the residents for the students are arranged upstairs. The smaller hall has a dome that is inspired by Andalusians. You will also come across a fountain which is fed from the water from the Fez River. The layout of the place doesn’t seem to be complex but still reflects beauty in its simplicity. You get a view of the entire courtyard as you climb either of the stairs. 

The school remains closed for prayers because it has a Mosque adjoining it. Another thing that you would notice is the Mihran Niche that has Onyx columns which are considered to be a style that resembles the Great Mosque of Cordoba. The place can be seen across the prayer hall. The place is often considered to be a jewel that has been successfully restored over the years and still continues to showcase its legacy. It is one of those religious places in the world that is open even for non-Muslims. If you want to experience the combination of culture and architecture, this is the perfect place for you. 

Must See

  • The wooden carvings and the tile work is totally worth seeing
  • Mosaics in the courtyard take you to a different world altogether
  • Dar al-Magana is a hydraulic water clock situated opposite to the mederesa in the building named Talaa Seghira
  • The glass windows of the building has been beautifully decorated and give an extra ordinary look to the place

How to reach

The place is only 4.9 kilometers from Fes city center. You can take either of these modes to reach the destination:

By taxi: Taxi will drop you to the place within 5 minutes and will cost you MAD 19 to MAD 24.

Walk: You can walk to the destination to cover a distance of 4.2 kilometers that will take you approximately 50 minutes.

 

Tips

  • You will find a tourist information board mounted outside the door of the mederesa
  • Arriving early to visit the place is advisable to avoid congestion caused by guided tour groups
  • Though open for non muslims too, but certain parts are out of bounds for them like carpeted prayer hall
  • Photography is unrestricted
  • You don’t require to remove your footwear to enter the place
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the premises.
  • Refrain from touching or damaging anything belonging to the authorities of mederesa
  • It gets closed for prayers, check the schedule and time before visiting

Visit Time

Sunday:                9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday:               9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday:              9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday:         9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday:             9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday:                  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:              9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

DH 20

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 17.34°C

 

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