See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Chouara Tannery
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Tannery & leather trader treating & selling locally-crafted goods with a terrace for dyeing.via Google
The iconic, medieval leather tanneries where hides are cured in stone vessels filled with pigeon droppings, ash, and natural dyes.
- Good to know
- Free to view from surrounding leather shop terraces, but expect high-pressure sales pitches; take the offered sprig of mint to sniff.
Reviews from Google
Visiting Chouara Tanneries in Fes was an unforgettable cultural highlight! The moment I stepped in, I was amazed by the traditional craftsmanship and the colorful dye pits the vibrant reds, yellows, and blues create a stunning visual display. Watching the artisans carefully work with leather using time-honored techniques was fascinating and gave me a deep appreciation for their skill. The earthy scent is strong, but that’s all part of the authentic experience. I enjoyed learning about the entire process from start to finish, and the guides were friendly and informative. A must-visit spot for anyone exploring the historic medina of Fes and wanting to see real Moroccan heritage in action
An unforgettable experience! The Fez tannery is a living tradition where centuries-old techniques are still practiced. Watching artisans work with natural dyes in the colorful stone vats is both fascinating and humbling. The vibrant view from the terraces is unlike anything else, though the strong smell is part of the authenticity. A must-visit to truly feel the heritage and craftsmanship of Morocco.
Smell is not as bad as people imagine. Good to see this. Pigeon poop is used for ammonia and hence the smell. Hard labor. We went to a shop and the guy was not pushy at all. Didn’t ask for anything. But we gave a 20 as a token of appreciation.
Really interesting place to visit and see how traditional leather is made. The view from the rooftop is amazing, colorful vats and a glimpse of centuries-old techniques still in use today. The smell is strong at first, but they usually give you mint to help. Staff explain the process well, and you can watch everything up close. Finished with lots of leather shops nearby selling bags, wallets, and jackets. A very authentic experience and worth a stop if you’re exploring the medina.
It was within my Fez guided tour which included this stop to see the tanning process that has been here for centuries. You see the tanneries from the top floor of one of leather shops. So, the visit offers you large variety of local leather products if you would like to buy. Generally, it's not that interesting unless you have plenty of time in Fez.