The Madrasa Bou Inania in Fez

Overview of Madrasa Bou Inania

The Madrasa Bou Inania is a religious school and an amazing example of Moroccan architecture featuring intricate zellij tilework, carved stonework, and beautiful wood carvings.

About the Madrasa Bou Inania

This institution takes its name from its founder, the Marinid sultan Faris ibn Ali Abu Inan al-Mutawakkil (known as Abu Inan). Originally, it was named Madrasa al-Mutawakkil. It was the largest and most important educational institution not only of the Marinid dynasty, but of all of Morocco.. Moreover, it was the only madrasa that was allowed to hold Friday sermons on a par with mosques.. The presence of a minaret distinguishes the Madrasa Bou Inania from others.

The Madrasa is divided into two main parts: the mosque and the classrooms. The mosque is a large open space with a large dome and minaret. The classrooms are arranged in a circle around the mosque, and each classroom has its own separate entrance.

It is a beautiful place to get acquainted with Islamic culture and Moroccan architecture. The inner courtyard is open to visitors where one can admire the incredible beauty of the architecture and learn about the history of the institution.

The ablutions house (Dar al-Wudu)

Opposite the entrance of the Madrasa is the entrance to the hall of repentance before prayer, built by Abu Inan together with the madrasa.

The water clock (Dar al-Magana)

To the left of the entrance to Dar al-Wudu is the unique water clock of Dar al-Magana, which was a model of the technology of that time. The clock is carved from cedar wood and has 13 cornices, from which bronze bowls used to be hung. It is not known exactly, but it is believed that when the sun moved, the water in the bowls heated up and pushed the lead ball, which, when hit, made a ringing sound. In this way, the exact time of prayer could be easily determined.

Ticket Prices

The entrance fee to the Madrasa Bou Inania is 20 MAD

Opening hours

Every day from 9am to 6pm