Al-Attarine Madrasa (School of the Perfumers), Fes (must see)

Al-Attarine stands out among the city's medieval colleges for its remarkable abundance and diversity of patterning. Still, despite the striking richness of its ‘zellij’, woodwork, and stucco, the decoration maintains an air of grace, ensuring the building's elegant proportions are never overwhelmed. Completed in 1325, the madrasa is one of the earliest in Fes. Its overall lightness is achieved through the clever use of pairs of symmetrical arches to connect the marble pillars to a single weight-bearing lintel.

On your way in, take a moment to admire the entrance hall, which boasts perhaps the most intricate ‘zellij’ decoration in the city. Its circular design, featuring an interlace of pentagons and five-pointed stars, exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and philosophical depth employed by the artisans. Scholars have noted that the patterns radiate from a single point, symbolizing the belief in the oneness of God, manifested as the center of every form or being.

The first floor houses cells for over sixty students, which served as an annex to the Kairaouine University until the 1950s. If you're fortunate enough to gain access (which can be sporadic), the rooftop offers one of the most complete views of the Kairaouine Mosque imaginable.