Amiriya Madrasa

The Amiriya madrasa at Rada was built in 1504 by the last Tahirid sultan, a two-storey building in brick and stucco with domes over the prayer hall and an interior painted throughout in floral and geometric work in red, blue and gold. It was near collapse by the twentieth century and was restored over some twenty five years by a team led by the Yemeni conservator Selma al-Radi, using traditional materials and methods.

What you actually see

• The painted interior - floral and geometric decoration across walls and domes.
• The 1504 building - the last major work of the Tahirid dynasty.
• The domes - the roof structures over the prayer hall.
• The restoration - the twenty five year programme using traditional materials.

When to go

October to April is the cool season. Summer at this altitude is milder than the lowlands. Access depends on local conditions.

Honest expectations

Access to the interior depends on the keyholder and on conditions. Non-Muslims may not always be admitted. Access to mainland Yemen requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Rada is around it, and Sana'a is northwest.