Fondouk el-Nejjarine / Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, Fes (must see)
Dominating the corner of Nejjarine Square is the wonderful Fondouk of the same name, dating back to the late 17th century and exuding the rich aroma of cedar and thuya wood. Originally serving as a roadside inn catering to caravans and traders in luxury goods, the structure was thoroughly restored and now functions as a museum dedicated to woodworking techniques and tools. Skilled craftsmen can be observed crouching over intricately carved furniture and decorative items, including tables, bed frames, and chairs.
Visitors are further captivated by the display of 14th- to 18th-century cedar-wood friezes on the first floor, as well as much more modern creations like a rabab (string instrument) beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the floor above. However, it is the impeccably restored interior of the building itself that truly captivates, making the entrance fee worthwhile. Recognized as a historic monument in 1916 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fondouk also offers amazing views of the Medina from its rooftop café.
Additionally, the nearby Nejjarine Fountain commands attention as a magnificent display of ‘zellige’ decoration, serving as a focal point in the square. Next to it, a large covered workshop is dedicated to the creation of elaborately decorated palanquins and thrones, often used in ceremonial events such as circumcisions or weddings.
Visitors are further captivated by the display of 14th- to 18th-century cedar-wood friezes on the first floor, as well as much more modern creations like a rabab (string instrument) beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the floor above. However, it is the impeccably restored interior of the building itself that truly captivates, making the entrance fee worthwhile. Recognized as a historic monument in 1916 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fondouk also offers amazing views of the Medina from its rooftop café.
Additionally, the nearby Nejjarine Fountain commands attention as a magnificent display of ‘zellige’ decoration, serving as a focal point in the square. Next to it, a large covered workshop is dedicated to the creation of elaborately decorated palanquins and thrones, often used in ceremonial events such as circumcisions or weddings.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fondouk el-Nejjarine / Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts on Map
Sight Name: Fondouk el-Nejjarine / Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fes, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Fes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fes Old Town Walking Tour
North and west of the fabled Atlas Mountains of North Africa is the ancient city of Fes, or Fez. It is centered on the Fes River.
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Fes New Town Walking Tour
Created by the French in the early 20th century, Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a relatively modern central district of Fez. A far cry from the sensory overload provided by the old Medina, this neighborhood was originally designed to accommodate foreigners and affluent Moroccans only.
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles