Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan Travel Guide: Top Sights in Morocco, Tours &

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Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Religious Beliefs; Morocco; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan in Salé, Morocco, is a 14th-century Marinid-era institution that reflects both educational and architectural excellence. Commissioned by Sultan Abu al-Hasan, it was built to complement the nearby Great Mosque of Salé, reinforcing the city's role as a center of Islamic learning. The madrasa features a compact yet elegant courtyard adorned with intricate zellij tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood detailing, showcasing craftsmanship reminiscent of Nasrid art from Al-Andalus. Its prayer hall, aligned with the qibla, is marked by a finely decorated mihrab, emphasizing its religious significance. The building remains an enduring example of Marinid artistic and scholarly ambition.

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Reviews of Medersa Merinide

Acon

2
Reviewed: 2024-01-30

The price was absolute rubbish go to fez and see the better one avoid this place, fez school was more big and colorful ane diverse, here really not much to see and they were selling soo expensively to foreigner it was 60 or 70 drh it seems its 10 drh for locals
Victor G.

4
Reviewed: 2023-10-31

Small little historical building. Hopefully the 60 Dh help to keep this place open. I would have loved some more information on the history and architectural details.
Miguel Ángel S

4
Reviewed: 2023-08-03

Magnificent & hidden historical building, it has undergone a remarkable restoration. Not Moroccan visitors pay 60DH, which is quite a lot but information is missing inside and extra information is offered by guides... but they are helpful and not very pushy, unlike in other cities...
Margaret Rice

5
Reviewed: 2023-01-23

Beautiful artistry. So much detail in all the carvings and tile work. We also visited the upstairs student areas. Highly recommend, and yes, 60 dh for entry. I hope it will remain a protected historical site.
K Charpentier

4
Reviewed: 2019-08-15

Very nice place, a bit pricey for a family of 5 at 60 dirhams per person, considering the size of the place. Regardless, it was the smallest university in Morocco and presents elements of Arabic, Andalusian and Berber architecture with Jewish elements as there were jewish builders helping long time ago. It ran until the 1940s and was shut down with most other institutions as a result of the revolution against the French. There are several floors of rooms that were chambers for the students. The lower room with the fountain was the teaching room where everyone would be sat on the floor to receive their lessons in psychology, astronomy, mathematics and many more subjects. The prayer room can be found in the back. It is hard to imagine this building is over 700 years old. The one star off is because one the guides went rogue on us and decided to show us Salé for a little something. This wasn't appropriate behaviour considering we paid enough for the entrance but then again, we did learn a thing or two for next time. Whenever someone suggests to go out of the museum, kindly decline and move on.