Cherratine Madrasa Fez
A 17th-century Islamic school in Fez, offering a peaceful, authentic glimpse into historical student life and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Cherratine Madrasa Fez
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century Islamic school in Fez, offering a peaceful, authentic glimpse into historical student life and architecture.
"A peaceful escape from the intensity of the Medina, totally worth the 20 MAD."
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Great opportunities for creative shots. Explore different angles and levels.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Only 20 MAD to enter. A worthwhile investment for a unique historical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spartan Student Rooms
Upper levels
See the tiny, shared rooms that housed students, offering a stark look at historical living conditions.
Intricate Architectural Details
Admire the beautiful Islamic architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship of the 17th century.
The Peaceful Courtyard
A quiet oasis offering a moment of reflection away from the Medina's intensity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
Understand its Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Great opportunities for creative shots. Explore different angles and levels.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Only 20 MAD to enter. A worthwhile investment for a unique historical experience.
🚶♀️ Escape the Medina Buzz
A peaceful retreat offering a calm contrast to the bustling Fez Medina.
📜 Historical Insight
See how students lived; it's a museum now, not an active school.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Great opportunities for creative shots. Explore different angles and levels.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Only 20 MAD to enter. A worthwhile investment for a unique historical experience.
🚶♀️ Escape the Medina Buzz
A peaceful retreat offering a calm contrast to the bustling Fez Medina.
📜 Historical Insight
See how students lived; it's a museum now, not an active school.
✨ Compare with Attarine
Similar to Attarine Madrasa but less restored, offering a different perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Cherratine Madrasa to be a worthwhile and peaceful escape from the busy Fez Medina, offering a glimpse into historical student life. While not as grand as some other madrasas, its authenticity and affordability are highly praised, making it a recommended stop for photographers and history buffs alike.
"It's out of the main tourist path. It was basically empty. You can go throughout freely. Check out the rooms, the different levels. Totally worth the 20 MAD. A peaceful escape from the intensity of the Medina."
Nate Breznau
"If you are a photographer, you would love it here. Some great opportunities to be very creative. It is modernised well. This is where you would come to learn to be an Iman. There is a 20 MAD fee to enter."
Bena Roberts
"Very interesting. This medersa closed to students in 1975 I believe. It is now a museum so you can see how this religious boarding school looked like in its day. Very Spartan living conditions with tiny rooms used by multiple students. Here students were prepared for going to college close by. That is the oldest University in Africa possibly the world here. It was advanced for its day. It was a university at the time Timbuktu reached it's height. Timbuktu in Mali was a religious library though not a university."
Hayes Weggeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cherratine Madrasa is located within the Fez Medina. The best way to reach it is by walking through the narrow alleyways of the medina. Taxis can drop you off at the edge of the medina, and from there, it's a short walk. Many visitors combine a visit with other nearby attractions like the Attarine Madrasa.
While it's within the medina, it's not always the most prominently signed attraction. It's recommended to use a map or ask locals for directions. It's often mentioned alongside other madrasas in Fez.
No, taxis cannot enter the heart of the Fez Medina. You'll need to take a taxi to the nearest gate of the medina and then walk the rest of the way.
Exploring the Fez Medina on foot is the most authentic experience. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Yes, many guided tours of the Fez Medina will include Cherratine Madrasa as part of their itinerary, offering historical context and navigation assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically 20 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) per person. This is a reasonable price for the historical and architectural experience it offers.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date information, especially around prayer times or holidays.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets at the entrance upon arrival.
No, Cherratine Madrasa closed to students around 1975 and now functions as a historical site and museum.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the entrance fee is quite affordable. It's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the student rooms, courtyards, and admire the traditional Islamic architecture. It offers a glimpse into the spartan living conditions of students in the past.
Absolutely! Photographers will find many creative opportunities within the madrasa, with its unique architectural details and historical ambiance.
A visit usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the rooms and taking photos.
The madrasa has multiple levels and stairs, which might pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility before your visit.
Built in 1670, it was an Islamic school that prepared students for higher education. It's noted for its less restored state compared to other madrasas, offering a more authentic historical feel.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The courtyards, intricate tilework, and the small student rooms offer excellent photographic opportunities. Look for interesting light and shadow play.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside. However, always be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the details without harsh shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and cultural sites in Morocco. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the architecture and details. A prime lens can be great for low-light interiors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the site involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so supervision is key for younger children. The relatively low entrance fee and the peaceful atmosphere make it a manageable and educational outing within the bustling medina. It's a good way to break up the intensity of exploring the souks.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and compositions. The historical context of the madrasa, where students once walked these same stairs, adds a narrative layer to your photography. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best natural light.
🏛️ History Buffs
Compare its less-restored state to the fully renovated Attarine Madrasa to understand different approaches to heritage preservation. The madrasa's role in the broader context of Fez as a center of learning, particularly its connection to Al-Qarawiyyin University, makes it a significant site for understanding Moroccan history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 17th Century Student Life
The madrasa was primarily intended to house students from Algeria, northern Morocco, and eastern regions, preparing them for higher education at the nearby Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The architecture, while beautiful, emphasizes functionality and the communal living aspect of student life. The peaceful courtyard offers a moment of respite, allowing visitors to imagine the daily routines of scholars centuries ago.
Its classification as a historic heritage monument since 1917 underscores its importance in understanding the educational history of Morocco. Visiting Cherratine Madrasa is not just about admiring architecture; it's about connecting with the past and appreciating the historical context of Islamic education.
Architectural Significance and Preservation
+1What sets Cherratine apart is its state of preservation. While it has undergone some modernization and is now a museum, it hasn't been as extensively restored as other prominent madrasas in Fez. This allows visitors to see a more 'lived-in' historical site, offering a different perspective on how these institutions functioned and aged over time. This less-restored aspect is often appreciated by those seeking authenticity.
The madrasa's historical designation in 1917 highlights its architectural and cultural value. It stands as a testament to the educational and artistic achievements of its time, providing valuable insights for historians, architects, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
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