Dar al-Magana (Water Clock)

Dar al-Magana, the Water Clock building, stands on Talaa Kebira in Fes el-Bali, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, directly opposite Bou Inania Madrasa. It is a 14th-century building whose facade carries thirteen carved cedar brackets above a row of small windows. These are said to have held the mechanism of a water clock that marked the hours. The interior is not open, so the visit is limited to the exterior and takes only 5 to 10 minutes. The facade is easily seen from the lane, and it fits naturally into a visit to Bou Inania, since the two face each other. Daytime is the best time to see the carved brackets and the detail of the woodwork, and the lane is busiest in late morning when tour groups pass through. The building is free to view and can be seen at any time. Photography of the facade is generally fine, though the narrow lane makes it hard to step back, so a wide lens or a position near the madrasa door helps. Visitors should watch for porters and carts passing along Talaa Kebira. A local guide can explain how the clock is thought to have worked and its place in the history of Marinid Fes. There are no facilities at the site, but cafes and shops along Talaa Kebira are close by. The stop is brief and free.