A trip to the city of Fez is truly incomplete without experiencing the sights and smells of a tannery, as its Old City is home to the traditional tanning industry. The Chaouwara tannery is an iconic tourist sight in Fez. Located on the eastern edge of...more
A trip to the city of Fez is truly incomplete without experiencing the sights and smells of a tannery, as its Old City is home to the traditional tanning industry. The Chaouwara tannery is an iconic tourist sight in Fez. Located on the eastern edge of the medina; Fes el-Bal, this open air tannery is the largest and the oldest leather tannery in Fez, and is known to date back to the 11th century. Visitors will see the processes involved in turning animal hides into soft colourful leather. While tourists will not be able to get close to the tanneries, there are plenty of vantage points all offering incredible views of the honeycomb-like tanneries. The streets surrounding these are occupied by leather shops, all of which have terraces overlooking the action. Tourists can therefore visit one of these shops and ask the salesmen to explain the processes involved while viewing the tanning pits from afar. They will also get a chance to buy a variety of stunning leather goods from nearby leather markets.
Not applicable
During the day
Around 1 hour or more
Adults, senior visitors, young adults, families, children
The process involved in getting colourful leather
Morocco has a mostly Muslim population, which means that mosques are found throughout the country. Finding prayer facilities in the city of Fez will therefore not prove to be a problem at all. Tourists can ask to be guided to the Kairaouine Mosque, which is Fez’s most popular mosque and the second largest mosque in Morocco.
Muslims visiting the city of Fez will have no problem finding Halal food. Fez’s Old City has numerous fantastic restaurants to suit all budgets. While here, visitors must make it a point to try out some unique Moroccan dishes, such as harira and tajine. Tourists can ask locals to guide them to the best restaurant in the area when needed.