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Cherratine Madrasa
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Landmark
The Cherratine Madrasa in the Medina of Fez was completed in 1670 under the reign of Sultan Moulay Rashid, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. It primarily served as accommodation and a teaching facility for students of the nearby Al-Kairaouine University, capable of housing up to 200 residents in its more than 100 rooms. Unlike the older Marinid madrasas, the Cherratine features a more sober yet impressive architecture, characterized by heavy wooden doors and wide galleries. The central courtyard is paved with marble and framed by elaborately carved cedar wood elements and decorative plasterwork. The three-story structure demonstrates the functional elegance of the early Alaouite period and is a significant testament to the educational system in historic Morocco. Today, the building is open to visitors, providing a glimpse into the student life of past centuries in one of the oldest metropolises in the Islamic world.
- Location: Morocco
- Top sights: Med'in Art · Dar Glaoui · Dar Moqri
- Nearby: Sefrou (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 95 | 86 | 94 | 72 | 38 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 74 | 116 | 94 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Cherratine Madrasa is a less visited but publicly accessible Quranic school in the heart of the medina. The courtyard and student cells can be visited.
Typical hours
The madrasa is typically open on weekday mornings, sometimes also afternoons after prayer time. It is best to come late morning.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard, avoid flash in the prayer rooms. The sober architecture features interesting geometric patterns for shots.
Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes for a visit. The place is quiet and invites lingering away from the crowds.
Combine with
The madrasa is near Bou Inania Madrasa and Seffarine Square - well-suited for a combined visit. The Chouara tannery is also not far away.
Getting there
It is located deep in the Fez medina, near Talaa Seghira. Access is on foot through narrow alleys - using a map is recommended.
Insider tip
As it is less known, you are often almost alone - use the quiet for a meditative break. Ask the caretaker if they open the roof terrace - the view is fantastic.
Geography
Facts
- The madrasa was completed in 1670 and is one of the largest in Fez.
- It features 104 student rooms distributed across three floors around the central courtyard.
- Sultan Moulay Rashid commissioned the building to increase housing for Al-Kairaouine students.
- The name 'Cherratine' is derived from the nearby market of rope-makers.
- Architecturally, the madrasa marks the transition from the Marinid style to the Alaouite style.
- The madrasa remained an active center for Islamic studies well into the 20th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cherratine Madrasa (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Cherratine Madrasa?
A historic Quranic school, known for its size and architecture.
Is it open to the public?
Yes, it can be visited for a small fee.
What is there to see?
It impresses with its sheer size and simple, monumental design.
Where is it located?
Inside the Medina of Fès, near the grand mosques.
Is it crowded?
As it is less famous than others, it is often pleasantly quiet.
Cherratine Madrasa: where is it located?
Cherratine Madrasa is located in Morocco.
Cherratine Madrasa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Med'in Art, Dar Glaoui, Dar Moqri.
Cherratine Madrasa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Cherratine Madrasa: why is it worth visiting?
The Cherratine Madrasa in the Medina of Fez was completed in 1670 under the reign of Sultan Moulay Rashid, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty.
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