Al-Attarine Madrasa

Al-Attarine Madrasa stands beside the spice sellers' souk (Souk el-Attarine) in Fes el-Bali, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, about two minutes on foot from the Al-Qarawiyyin complex. It was built between 1323 and 1325 under the Marinid sultan Abu Said Uthman II. The madrasa is small, with a compact courtyard of mosaic tile, carved cedar and stucco, a central fountain and a prayer hall. Student cells on the upper floor can be seen by climbing narrow stairs, and from the roof level there are views of the surrounding rooftops and the Al-Qarawiyyin minaret. It is smaller and quieter than Bou Inania, which makes it easier to appreciate the detail of the carving without crowds. Admission is MAD 20 for adults and children, and it is open daily from roughly 9am to 5pm, closing for midday Friday prayer. A visit takes about 30 minutes. Mid-morning is the best time because the light falls into the courtyard and shows the colour of the tilework, while the lanes outside are lively with spice and perfume sellers. Visitors usually combine it with Al-Qarawiyyin, Place Seffarine and the Nejjarine museum on a walking route. Dress modestly and keep voices low, as the building was originally a place of study and prayer. Photography in the courtyard is generally allowed. The stairs to the upper floor are steep and the cells are small, so visitors should take care in groups. The approach through the souk is crowded with porters and carts.