Medersas
9 500 ruelles, un musée à ciel ouvert classé au patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco.
The Quranic schools, called medersas, are part of Moroccan heritage and represent a must-see for visiting the oldest medina in Morocco. Beyond their educational mission, the medersas of Fez have preserved their architecture with a range of traditional craftsmanship and Moroccan materials. You should plan a visit to one of these medersas to understand and appreciate Muslim culture, the logic of construction, and the importance of these places.
Fez and the city of Moroccan knowledge
Two medersas are very well known in Fez, the Bou Inania school and the Attarine medersa. Built like a riad with a central patio, a basin, and a fountain, the rooms surround this courtyard to accommodate students. With either of these two medersas, you will have the pleasure of discovering exceptional architectural heritage with zellige tilework, carved plaster, and worked cedar wood. Riad Jamaï recommends visiting one of them to appreciate the craftsmen’s work and understand the architectural meaning of the medersas. These two schools, Bou Inania and Attarine, are located in the medina of Fez in different locations, so you can choose one or the other depending on your route through the alleyways.
Bou Inania Medersa, known throughout Morocco
The Bou Inania medersa is located at the top of the two Talaas, these streets being the pedestrian arteries of the « commercial » medina of Fez, where you will find all sorts of handcrafted items made in the heart of this medina. The medersa is therefore located close to Bab Boujloud and not far from Batha square; you can visit it alone or accompanied by an official guide to appreciate its restoration. The Attarine medersa is located near the Quaraouine, its university, and its mosque. You can access it more easily via R’cif square and its Bab R’cif gate, by small red taxi or on foot from your Riad. By taking Talaa Elkbira, you will reach the beautifully restored Attarine school.
In the heart of the medina of Fez
The medersas played a role of Quranic, and therefore Muslim, education for entire neighborhoods. Without revealing the content of your visit, you will understand how to be heard thanks to an alcove, and how these establishments with large numbers of students were organized. Fortunately, just like the medina of Fez, these historic sites are protected and listed by UNESCO.