Royal Palace Gates (Dar el-Makhzen)

The Royal Palace of Fes, Dar el-Makhzen, occupies a large walled enclosure in Fes el-Jdid in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, and its monumental gates open onto the Place des Alaouites. The palace grounds originate in the Merenid foundation of Fes el-Jdid in 1276, and they were expanded by the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since the 17th century. The palace remains a royal residence and the interior is closed to the public, so visitors come to see the gates and the square. The principal entrance is a set of seven large doors framed by a horseshoe arch with zellige tilework, carved cedar and decorative bronze. The doors, made of brass with geometric and floral patterns, were produced by Fassi craftspeople in the 20th century and are among the best examples of contemporary traditional metalwork in the city. The surrounding walls are tall ochre ramparts with crenellations. The adjoining Place des Alaouites is a broad open space that is used for ceremonies and provides room for photography and for guides to explain the history of the site. From the square, the Grand Rue de Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah and the Bab Dekkakin gateway are within walking distance. The palace compound includes gardens, courtyards, a mosque and administrative buildings behind the walls, although these are not visible. Security staff are present at the gates, and photography of the gates is allowed but visitors should not photograph guards directly or approach the entrances closely. A visit typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. The site is a reminder that Fes el-Jdid still functions as a royal quarter and that Fes has long been intertwined with the monarchy.