must-visit in EssaouiraChurch & Religious Site

Mosquee Ben Youssef

📍 Place Ben Youssef, north of the Marrakech medina

1 photos

3.9/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: Morocco, Essaouira
Category: Church & Religious Site
Duration: About 1 hour
Opening Hours: The madrasa is open daily 9:00-18:00; the mosque follows prayer times and is generally not open to non-Muslims
Ticket Price: Adult: Free · The madrasa costs about 50-70 dirhams; the mosque is free but usually not open to the public
Address: Place Ben Youssef, north of the Marrakech medina
Coordinates: 31.5090, -9.7660

Introduction

Ben Youssef Mosque in the north of the Marrakech medina is traditionally believed to date back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest mosques in the city. Its prayer hall is normally closed to non-Muslims, but the adjacent Ben Youssef Madrasa - one of Morocco's most important Quranic schools and now a hugely popular attraction open to visitors - wraps some 130 student cells around its courtyard and is famed for its fine mosaics and cedar-wood decoration, making it a showcase of the architecture and craft of traditional Islamic education.

✨ Highlights

An old mosque traditionally dating to the 12th century

At Mosquée Ben Youssef, An old mosque traditionally dating to the 12th century is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Adjacent to the famous Ben Youssef Madrasa

At Mosquée Ben Youssef, Adjacent to the famous Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

College courtyard ringed with student cells

At Mosquée Ben Youssef, College courtyard ringed with student cells is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Avoid the midday heat; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos.

→Transport：Arrange via local public transport, driving or a chartered transfer; check latest local transport info.

→Climate & dress：Prepare sun protection, water and suitable footwear for the local climate; some outdoor areas are exposed.

→On site：Follow on-site signs and rules; do not climb on or touch heritage features.

→Accessibility：Some areas have natural or uneven surfaces and may challenge those with limited mobility.

→Opening Hours：The madrasa is open daily 9:00-18:00; the mosque follows prayer times and is generally not open to non-Muslims

→Transportation：About 15 minutes' walk from Djemaa el-Fna through the souks; next to the Marrakech Museum

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Free

The madrasa costs about 50-70 dirhams; the mosque is free but usually not open to the public

💡 Tips

• Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The madrasa is open daily 9:00-18:00; the mosque follows prayer times and is generally not open to non-Muslims; admission: The madrasa costs about 50-70 dirhams; the mosque is free but usually not open to the public.

• Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

• Respect local culture, customs and any religious norms; dress and behave accordingly.

• Combine with nearby sights and plan around local transport and accommodation.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Mosquee Ben Youssef?

The madrasa is open daily 9:00-18:00; the mosque follows prayer times and is generally not open to non-Muslims

How much is the admission for Mosquee Ben Youssef?

Adult: Free; The madrasa costs about 50-70 dirhams; the mosque is free but usually not open to the public

Any practical tips for visiting Mosquee Ben Youssef?

Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The madrasa is open daily 9:00-18:00; the mosque follows prayer times and is generally not open to non-Muslims; admission: The madrasa costs about 50-70 dirhams; the mosque is free but usually not open to the public. Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.