A medieval tannery quarter where hides are still soaked, limed and dyed by hand in stone vats of white lime and natural dyes. The view is from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, which hand out sprigs of mint against the smell. Entry is free, but staff expect a purchase or a tip of MAD 20-50 (~$2-5); a firm refusal of pushy side-guides is normal practice.
The Chouara Tannery sits in the Derb Chouara area of Fes el-Bali in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region and is among the best-known sights in the city. It is a medieval tannery quarter where hides are still processed by hand, soaked and limed in round stone vats and then dyed in vats of natural colour. The view is gained from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, which look down on the honeycomb of pits and the workers moving between them. Shop staff traditionally hand visitors a sprig of mint to hold under the nose against the smell of the curing process. Entry is free, but staff expect a purchase or a tip of roughly MAD 20-50, and the leather goods on offer include jackets, bags, slippers and poufs. Several shops share the view, so visitors can compare the terraces and prices without committing. The tannery is a working industrial site, and the vats are most active in the morning, so a visit before noon shows the most activity and the best light on the colours. A typical stop lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It is reached on foot from Bab Bou Jeloud in about 25 minutes through the medina, following the leather-shop signs, and it lies near Place Seffarine. The lanes approaching it are narrow and busy, and unofficial guides may offer to lead the way; a firm refusal is normal practice. The upper terraces are reached by narrow stairs, and the stone floors can be slippery. Photographs from the terraces are the main attraction, and the wide view is best taken from the highest level. Crowds build from late morning as tour groups arrive, so early visits are quieter. Visitors should avoid photographing workers at close range without permission.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 8am-5pm; vats are active mainly in the morning |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning (before noon) when workers are at the vats |
| Getting there | Walk from Bab Bou Jeloud about 25 minutes through the medina, following the leather-shop signs; viewing terraces are inside the surrounding leather shops |
| Address | Derb Chouara, Fes el-Bali, Fes 30000, Morocco |
Location
Derb Chouara, Fes el-Bali, Fes 30000, Morocco
34.0665, -4.9727 View on map
Highlights
- View the stone vats of white lime and natural dye from a leather-shop terrace
- Watch workers soak and dye hides by hand in the morning
- Receive a sprig of mint against the smell
- Browse leather jackets, bags, slippers and poufs in the surrounding shops
Tips for visiting
- Visit before noon when the vats are most active
- Expect to buy something or tip MAD 20-50 at the terrace
- Decline unofficial side-guides firmly and politely
- Compare several shops before buying and bargain on price
- Wear shoes with grip because the stairs and floors can be slippery
- Photograph from the highest terrace for the widest view
When to visit
Go in the morning before noon, when workers are at the vats and the light is good. Late visits are quieter in activity and busier with tour groups.
Accessibility
Viewing terraces are reached by steep, narrow stairs inside the leather shops, and the approach lanes are uneven stone, so the site is not wheelchair friendly. Visitors with limited mobility may find the lower terraces more manageable.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the tannery take?
A typical stop is 30 to 45 minutes, enough for the terrace view and a look at the leather shop.
Is the tannery worth it for kids?
Older children often find the working vats memorable, but the strong smell and narrow stairs can be hard for small children.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free, though shop staff expect a purchase or a tip of about MAD 20-50.
Is photography allowed?
Photography from the terraces is welcomed. Visitors should avoid close portraits of workers without asking.