Bou Inania Madrasa (Bou Inania Seminary), Fes (must see)
The Bou Inania madrasa, constructed in the 1350s by the Merinid sultan Bou Inan, stands out as one of the most architecturally refined theological colleges in Fes. The building is divided into two sections, with a long corridor running between them. The eastern side houses the madrasa proper, while the western side contains an annex for ablutions, although it is no longer in use. At the main entrance, a flat-sided dome crowns the structure, adorned with horseshoe arches featuring intricately delicate stucco decorations.
Upon entering, a corridor leads to a stunning courtyard, centered around a pool. Three sides of the courtyard are lined with a gallery, while the fourth side opens onto the prayer hall. The green-tiled awnings, exquisitely carved wood, elaborate stucco work, ‘zellij’ tilework, and mosaic-like tiled floor make the courtyard a captivating sight. The prayer hall itself remains unchanged, while students' cells occupy the rest of the ground floor and upper floor. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the medina.
Unique to the Bou Inania madrasa is its adjoining mosque, which is closed to visitors during prayer times. The mihrab niche, visible from across the prayer hall, features onyx columns reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. The mosque's beautiful green-tiled minaret is visible when entering the medina via Bab Bou Jeloud.
Upon entering, a corridor leads to a stunning courtyard, centered around a pool. Three sides of the courtyard are lined with a gallery, while the fourth side opens onto the prayer hall. The green-tiled awnings, exquisitely carved wood, elaborate stucco work, ‘zellij’ tilework, and mosaic-like tiled floor make the courtyard a captivating sight. The prayer hall itself remains unchanged, while students' cells occupy the rest of the ground floor and upper floor. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the medina.
Unique to the Bou Inania madrasa is its adjoining mosque, which is closed to visitors during prayer times. The mihrab niche, visible from across the prayer hall, features onyx columns reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. The mosque's beautiful green-tiled minaret is visible when entering the medina via Bab Bou Jeloud.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Bou Inania Madrasa (Bou Inania Seminary) on Map
Sight Name: Bou Inania Madrasa (Bou Inania Seminary)
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fes, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Fes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fes New Town Walking Tour
Created by the French in the early 20th century, Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a relatively modern central district of Fez. A far cry from the sensory overload provided by the old Medina, this neighborhood was originally designed to accommodate foreigners and affluent Moroccans only.
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Fes Old Town Walking Tour
North and west of the fabled Atlas Mountains of North Africa is the ancient city of Fes, or Fez. It is centered on the Fes River.
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles