Built in 1504, it is a gem of Islamic architecture, with its three building levels, its 600 m2 of tempera wall paintings, and its extensive and elaborate stucco work.

It is noteworthy for the balance achieved between the size of the structure and the refinement of its details.

In the late 1970s, the building was in a desperate state of neglect and close to destruction.

At that time, Selma Al Radi came on the scene - a major figure in Middle Eastern archaeology.

With her tireless commitment, combined with funding from the governments of Yemen, the Netherlands and (recently) Italy, she has managed in 22 years to bring the Amiriya Madrasa back to its former splendor and its rightful place in the world's artistic and cultural heritage.

The last chapter of this story began in 2000, when the CCA, Archaeological Conservation Center of Rome, was called to restore the wall paintings in the prayer hall, as well as to train six Yemeni technicians in their maintenance.