Ben Youssef Mosque Mosque
Historic Marrakech mosque near medina and old quarters.
Ben Youssef Mosque anchors part of Marrakesh's medina near the Ben Youssef Madrasa; visitors include those studying Moroccan religious architecture and travellers moving between souks and historic quarters.
Ben Youssef Mosque at a Glance#
Address: Rue Ben Youssef, Marrakech Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco
Hours: Open to visitors outside prayer times; exact hours vary
Admission: Free (as an active mosque; entry for tourists outside prayer times)
About Ben Youssef Mosque#
Ben Youssef Mosque is a historic congregational mosque in the medina of Marrakech, Morocco, named after the Almoravid ruler Ali ibn Yusuf. It occupies a central position in the old city and has played a long-standing role in Marrakech’s religious life.
The mosque features a prominent minaret and traditional Moroccan architectural elements and is closely associated with the nearby Ben Youssef Madrasa complex. It serves as a place for Friday prayers and local worship rather than as a tourist interior attraction.
The site has medieval origins linked to the Almoravid and later dynasties, with periods of rebuilding and modification under subsequent Moroccan rulers. Its architectural form reflects these successive phases rather than a single construction period.
Situated inside Marrakech’s walled medina, the mosque is a short walk from central landmarks such as Jemaa el-Fna and other historic souks and madrasas.
- Central medina location: Located adjacent to the medina, it sits near the former Ben Youssef Madrasa and is one of Marrakech’s major historic mosque sites within the old city.
How to Get to Ben Youssef Mosque#
Located in Marrakech’s medina near the Ben Youssef quarter. Walkable from Jemaa el-Fnaa (about 10-15 minutes); taxis can drop visitors at nearby gates to the medina.
Tips for Visiting Ben Youssef Mosque#
- Visit outside of Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) to avoid crowds and show respect during services.
- Combine a visit with a walk through the medina to see the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the nearby souks.
- Respect dress codes-cover shoulders and knees; women may be asked to cover their hair during prayer times.
Best Time to Visit Ben Youssef Mosque#
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring Marrakech's medina and its monuments.
Weather & Climate near Ben Youssef Mosque#
Ben Youssef Mosque's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 6° - 17° | 11° | 33 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 2.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
| February | Very Good | 8° - 19° | 13° | 35 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 38 mm | some cloud | 56% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 33 mm | some cloud | 56% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 14° - 26° | 20° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 3.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 23° | 5 mm | clear | 42% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.0h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 34° | 28° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 32% | 3.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 34° | 28° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 3.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 26° | 21° | 23 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| November | Excellent | 11° - 21° | 16° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 2.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 2.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.0h |
