Chouara Tannery

Chouara Tannery is one of the most iconic and ancient tanneries in Fez, dating back nearly a thousand years. Located in the heart of Fes el Bali, it is considered the largest and most famous traditional leather tanning site in Morocco.


The tannery represents one of the oldest surviving craft traditions in the city, where leather is still processed using natural methods passed down through generations. Hides are treated, dyed, and dried in open-air stone vats filled with natural pigments such as saffron, poppy, and indigo.


From the surrounding terraces, visitors can witness a unique visual scene of colorful dye pits and active craftsmanship that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.


More than a workshop, Chouara Tannery is a living symbol of Fez’s artisanal heritage — where tradition, labor, and identity merge into a timeless urban experience.

How to Get — Chouara Tannery
  • Location
    Chouara Tannery is located in the northern part of Fes el Bali, near leather and textile souks, deep inside the old Medina of Fez.
  • On Foot
    The only way to reach it is by walking inside the Medina.
    From Bab Boujloud: 15–20 minutes
    From nearby souks: 5–10 minutes
    The tannery is hidden inside narrow alleys, and access is usually through leather shops with rooftop terraces.
  • By Taxi
    Taxis cannot enter the Medina.
    Ask for: Bab Boujloud or Bab Rcif
    Then continue on foot with your guide or by asking locals
    Price: 10–25 MAD (within Fez)
  • By Bus
    Buses stop near the main gates.
    Get off at Bab Boujloud or Bab Rcif
    Continue walking inside the Medina
    Very affordable option (around 4–5 MAD).
  • By Car
    Drive to Medina entrances.
    Parking available near Bab Boujloud and Bab Rcif
    No cars allowed inside Fes el Bali
    Continue on foot or with a guide
  • With a Guide
    Highly recommended
    A guide is very useful here due to the complexity of the Medina.
    With a guide, you will:
    Navigate directly to the correct leather shop entrances
    Access the best rooftop viewpoints safely
    Understand the traditional tanning process
    Learn the history of the leather trade in Fez
  • Best Time to Visit
    Morning for active tanning process
    Late afternoon for best lighting over the dye pits
  • Important Note
    Entry to Chouara Tannery is usually through leather shops, and access to rooftop viewpoints may require a small tip or purchase.
  • Insight
    Chouara Tannery is not just a place to observe craft…
    it is a living window into centuries of tradition still breathing inside the heart of Fez.
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