Bou Inania Medersa
Bou Inania Medersa
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Bou Inania Medersa
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
373 within 5 kms
Attractions
84 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Danny SSugar City, Idaho21 contributionsWonderfulOf the Fez madrasas, this one is unique in that it is still adjoined to a working mosque which provides an added element not seen at some of the others. Also because of this, access is limited. It is widely considered among the finest instances of Marinid architecture in Fez. Excellent examples of masonry, carpentry, and craftmenship.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 February 2024
- Marcus_Fenix1Dresden, Germany14,590 contributionsVery beautiful buildingThe university is also a beautiful building. The number of students is small, only the best come here. There are currently 25 in the first year. The oldest university in the world has a very good reputation! Absolutely worth seeing!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- Traveling MarioSeoul, South Korea2,654 contributionsBeautiful Islam SchoolWe visited two Medersas in the medina, and this one is larger and more elaborate. On the other hand, we could only look at the inside facades of the building from the courtyard. We could not visit the student rooms here. Being the more famous medersa, there were many group tourists when we visited. There is an exhibition about the 14th century water clock that can be seen outside the building. It was amazing that such an elaborate clock was installed so many years ago.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2024
- Coryy20Port of Spain, Trinidad6,378 contributionsThis 14th century architecture at its finestThis islamic school is gorgeous with intricately designed tiles. It is close to the blue gate/door, so easy to find. More than likely this medina will be the first place one will visit in Fes so it is unlikely not to receive some curious eyes. It is one site not to be missed.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 June 2024
- MarcoPD55Florence, Italy14,578 contributionsProbably the most important in FesWithin the great Medina of Fes (impossible to find without a good local guide!), this madrassa is important for its dual function, religious and as a school. It takes its name from the Sultan who wanted it (Abu Inan) in the mid-1300s, although it was then renovated in the eighteenth century. Very beautiful for its fine stucco, tiles decorated with a precise educational and religious meaning that we can only admire but not understand. The guide confirmed that it is the only Madrasa in Fes with a minaret.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 July 2024
- FTMDaveAdria, Italy7,770 contributions14th-century madrasahThis beautiful, ornate 14th-century madrasah is a must-see in Fez. It's located in the Medina, but very near an entrance, so is easy to find. Tickets cost 20 dirham. On one of the four sides of the courtyard there is a working mosque.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 July 2024
- Kino JZaragoza, Spain391 contributionsMust see inside the Medina de FezA must when you go to the Medina de Fez. Just as the mosques and the mausoleum of Mulay Idris only allow Muslims to enter, the madrasas do allow entry to everyone for the small price of 20 dinars (€2). My advice is to go first thing and better on weekdays because in rush hours it is very crowded and it is difficult to take clean photos. An area is also used as a mosque, that part cannot be accessed but is seen. For 2€ it is worth enteringVisited November 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
995 reviews
Excellent
489
Very good
360
Average
116
Poor
25
Terrible
5
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
3DMatrix
London, UK757 contributions
Dec 2019
This former Quranic studies institution and lovely bit of history is located slap bang in the middle of souks. It is a rarity i.e. one of the few religious places in Morocco that's open to non muslim visitors and it's entrance is somewhat hidden.
Upon entering (there a token entrance fee), you'll be amazed at how quickly or suddenly the hustle and bustle melts away. This place is a calm oasis in the middle of the medina. With its design, beautiful tiles and tranquillity it is clear why this place was meant for meditation and education.You can literally feel the peace, spirituality and history.
Side note: There is a funky hydraulic water clock opposite the Madrasa in a building called the Dar al-Magana.
Upon entering (there a token entrance fee), you'll be amazed at how quickly or suddenly the hustle and bustle melts away. This place is a calm oasis in the middle of the medina. With its design, beautiful tiles and tranquillity it is clear why this place was meant for meditation and education.You can literally feel the peace, spirituality and history.
Side note: There is a funky hydraulic water clock opposite the Madrasa in a building called the Dar al-Magana.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain24,082 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Bou Inania Medersa is an Arabic school located in the Medina (old town) of Fez, one of the imperial cities in Morocco. We came here with a guide (it is impossible not lost in the Medina and googlemaps does not work very well) and we enter in the courtyard: it is wonderful! all walls are decorated in a fine Arabic style, so you can enjoy seeing it. Pitifully, only it is possible to see this part, because other places are closed to no Muslims. However, enter here is very recommendable for adults and children (it is a closed place, where children can not go out).
(see also Medina of Fez, Al-Attarine Madrassa, Chouara Tannery, Kairaouine Mosque, Place Seffarine, Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate of Fez and Boujloud Square)
(see also Medina of Fez, Al-Attarine Madrassa, Chouara Tannery, Kairaouine Mosque, Place Seffarine, Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate of Fez and Boujloud Square)
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iamface
Cardiff, UK1,763 contributions
Jan 2020
although i've visited iran last year and think that morocco some place can't to compare with them but this building is quite impressive. Sculpture detailed and beautiful also keeping raw but not decay feeling. must visit in fes
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fergs85
Thornton-Le-Dale, UK1,086 contributions
Oct 2022
A Medersa was a residential college for the leaning of the Koran – this one is said by my guidebook to be “the finest and largest in Fes”. It dates from the mid-14th century, and although much of it is off limits to non-Muslims you should still visit to see the beautiful and ornate decorative features at first hand.
After your visit, don’t miss the “water clock” high above the passageway opposite. The ancient spouts are still clearly visible, but I have read that it may not have been a clock but some kind of musical instrument! There are thirteen visible spouts, which doesn’t quite conform with a 12/24 hour day!
After your visit, don’t miss the “water clock” high above the passageway opposite. The ancient spouts are still clearly visible, but I have read that it may not have been a clock but some kind of musical instrument! There are thirteen visible spouts, which doesn’t quite conform with a 12/24 hour day!
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roara74
Darwin, Australia1,033 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
An interesting place that we saw as we wondered past and our guide took us into. A nice quiet space behind a high wall, where the ticket seller closes the door after only letting in a few groups at a time. We enjoyed our guides informative knowledge of the space
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamiroAscoli
San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy1,698 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My fascinating trip to Morocco began in the vibrant city of Fès, where the Blue Gate marked the entrance to the picturesque Medina, known as "Fès el-Bali". The heart of this ancient city has revealed its history and spirituality through iconic places, including the Madrasa Bou Inania, one of the Koranic schools of higher studies dating back to 1351, built with skill by the Merinids. Fès, historically, has been the spiritual, religious and intellectual capital of Morocco. The Medina is dotted with numerous sanctuaries, and in its nucleus lies the oldest University in the world, Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD.
The Bou Inania Madrasa, in addition to serving as a Koranic teaching institute, was a place of prayer and hosted students from remote regions, without the economic means to rent a home in the Medina. In those ancient times, students were incentivized not only with accommodation, but also with scholarships.
A distinctive element of this Madrasa is its current function as a mosque. Every Friday, the madrasa closes its doors to tourist visits to welcome the Muslim faithful of the Medina, who gather to pray after performing ritual ablutions at the central fountain in the courtyard.
The architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa is an example of traditional craftsmanship. Decorated stucco and wood-carved walls in the courtyard capture the attention, while "azulejo" mosaics exhibit floral, geometric and calligraphic designs, representing Moroccan Moorish art
Finally, the green-tiled tower or minaret catches the eye, reflecting the sunlight and adding a touch of majesty to the panorama of the Bou Inania Madrasa.
In this place steeped in history and art, I experienced Morocco's cultural heritage, uniting past and present in an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The Bou Inania Madrasa remains an architectural and spiritual jewel, witness to an era rich in learning and devotion.
The Bou Inania Madrasa, in addition to serving as a Koranic teaching institute, was a place of prayer and hosted students from remote regions, without the economic means to rent a home in the Medina. In those ancient times, students were incentivized not only with accommodation, but also with scholarships.
A distinctive element of this Madrasa is its current function as a mosque. Every Friday, the madrasa closes its doors to tourist visits to welcome the Muslim faithful of the Medina, who gather to pray after performing ritual ablutions at the central fountain in the courtyard.
The architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa is an example of traditional craftsmanship. Decorated stucco and wood-carved walls in the courtyard capture the attention, while "azulejo" mosaics exhibit floral, geometric and calligraphic designs, representing Moroccan Moorish art
Finally, the green-tiled tower or minaret catches the eye, reflecting the sunlight and adding a touch of majesty to the panorama of the Bou Inania Madrasa.
In this place steeped in history and art, I experienced Morocco's cultural heritage, uniting past and present in an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The Bou Inania Madrasa remains an architectural and spiritual jewel, witness to an era rich in learning and devotion.
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia52,954 contributions
Jul 2019
Bou Inania Medersa is a wonderful achievement. This 14th century building was meant to be a school for Islamic teaching. We visited and were in awe of the beauty of the place. It's full of history and culture. And it's in the centre of the Medina, so you don't have to go too far to see it. You can't see everything but what you can see is totally worth it.
Written 1 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
good feed
Fez, Morocco15 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
Fabulous islamic school of bou anania with fancy decorative arts.mosaics and marble in the courtyard. Carved Plaster and woodwork. Soo fancy and elegant design. I love it. Good place to visit.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill W
New Jersey3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The Bounaniya Medersa is beautiful. All the walls decorated with amazing architecture from the 14th century. You can also see the tiny students rooms as this was a dormitory as well. It's very close to the Blue Gate. You can't miss it!
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marko K
Skofja Loka, Slovenia10 contributions
May 2023
It was close to the top of our what to see in Fes list, and the visit was no dissapointment. Splendid architecture, rich details reminiscent of the Alhambra. Access to upper floor provides insight into the spatial organisation of life in the medersa. On the street next to the entrance you may see the water clock which is under renovation.
Written 13 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola! Saben si está abierta los viernes??? Gracias!!!!!
Written 25 March 2022
Hola! Saben si está abierta los viernes??? Gracias!!!!!
Written 25 March 2022
Sorry I'm not sure of the opening hours.
Written 27 May 2019
Hi does anyone know the opening hours of this Medersa? We arrive in Fes airport around 2 pm, and I dont know if we can make it. Thanks!!
Written 28 December 2018
Hi, if I remember open is from 09:00 till 17:00, except friday.
Written 30 December 2018
Hi any one know whether it will be open on Christmas day? I know Christmas is not celebrated in Morocco but just want to ensure if this place is open or not.
Written 17 December 2018
While checking the timing for the places there was no indication that they close on Christmas day.
Written 17 December 2018
Je voudrais savoir comment je peux faire une annonce dans le domaine de tourisme : pour faire des visites à FÈS et les environs comme Meknès et Volubilis , le Moyen Atlas, Chefchaouen , Marrakech , Merzouga . pour tous les touristes intérêssė
Written 12 February 2017
Buongiorno
vorrei avere per cortesia, arrivando dall'autostrada A8, informazioni su dove lasciare la macchina per percorrere la salita a piedi e se sono solo due chilometri di acciottolato.
Grazie
Maria
Written 3 November 2015
Domanda incomprensibile a/8 é autostrada milamo Varese cosa c'entra madrassa ?
Written 4 November 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 11
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing