7 Best Museums in Fes: Madrasas + Palaces + Caravanserais
- Malika
- Oct 1, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 8
From beautifully restored madrasas to historic inns and a hilltop fort, discover 7 of the best museums in Fes.
Founded in the 8th century by Idriss I, Fes is the oldest of Morocco's four imperial cities and a must-visit destination in the country’s north. At the heart of this historic metropolis lies Fes el-Bali, a labyrinthine medina of twisting alleyways and bustling souks where skilled artisans continue to practice the same crafts that have graced the city’s mosques, madrasas and palaces for centuries.
To truly immerse yourself in Fes’ storied past, I’d highly recommend visiting some of its fascinating museums, which occupy beautiful palaces, riads and madrasas. Not only will you discover everything from ancient weaponry and royal regalia to exquisite examples of Moroccan woodwork, textiles and metalcraft, but you’ll enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of the medina outside.
In this article, I’ll introduce 7 of the best museums in Fes, including a 16th-century fort, an active synagogue and a recently restored palace.
For more information about visiting this ancient city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes. If you're looking for accommodation recommendations, I've put together a list of the best riads in Fes, or you can browse some of the best Fes tours and day trips.
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Commissioned by the Alaouite Sultan Hassan I in the late 19th century and completed under his successor Abdelaziz, this magnificent palace is a testament to Morocco's architectural and artistic brilliance. Dar Batha has recently undergone an extensive restoration and reopened as a museum, boasting a vast collection of over 6,500 historical artefacts and crafts.
I was lucky enough to visit Dar Batha just after it reopened and for me, it is most definitely one of the best museums in Morocco.
Among the highlights of Dar Batḥa is its ceramic collection, which is widely considered one of the oldest and most impressive in the Arab world. Featuring pieces dating back to the beginning of the 14th century, it reflects the skilled artistry of Fes's master craftsmen - I love the videos where you can see ceramicists at work.
I also appreciated the timeline explaining Morocco's history of successive rulers, something that I sometimes struggle to get my head around.
After your visit, be sure to stroll through the palace gardens, which embody a quintessential Andalusian aesthetic. They really are stunning and the perfect place to relax while admiring the surrounding architecture.
Information at Dar Batha is provided in English, French and Darija and there is a lot to take in, so I'd recommend spending at least an hour and a half here. Keep in mind that DSLR cameras are not allowed (you can have them in your bag but no pics), although photos are allowed using phone cameras.
You can learn more about visiting Dar Batha and what to expect in my detailed article here.
Opening hours of Dar Batha: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Monday)
Entrance fee for Dar Batha: 60 dh
Best museums in Fes, Morocco
Constructed between 1350-1355 CE under the patronage of Sultan Abu Inan Faris, this magnificent Islamic school reflects the height of Marinid craftsmanship. From its green-tiled minaret (visible from afar) to the intricate beauty of its internal courtyard, Bou Inania is a masterpiece and one of the only madrasas in Morocco that still functions as a congregational mosque.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by an exquisite central courtyard adorned with the signature elements of Marinid design. Carved stucco patterns cover the walls, complemented by vibrant zellije tilework. Overhead, the courtyard is capped by a wooden latticework ceiling that casts a warm shadow over the space below.
While the prayer hall section of Bou Inania is off-limits to non-Muslim visitors, the rest of the complex is open for all. However, it does close during prayer times, so schedule your visit accordingly.
If you want to capture people-free images, I recommend visiting Bou Inania just after the madrasa opens in the morning or following prayers when things are a bit quieter.
In my opinion, the Bou Inania Madrasa is an architectural highlight of visiting Fes and one museum you shouldn’t miss!
Opening hours of the Bou Inania Madrasa: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Bou Inania Madrasa: 20 dh
Best museums in Fes
Established in 1582 by the powerful Saadi dynasty, this impressive fort was modelled after the fortified Portuguese outposts that dotted the region in the 16th century. It's notable for its incorporation of European-influenced military architecture, reflecting the technological advancements that were transforming warfare at the time.
Today, the fort has been repurposed to house the Museum of Arms, which was established in 1963. It features over 5,000 pieces originating from 35 different countries and spanning from prehistory all the way to the 20th century.
During your visit, you can admire an extensive array of Moroccan arms, many of which were produced in Fes at the Makina, an industrial arms factory established in 1886 adjacent to the city's Royal Palace.
One of the museum's most noteworthy artefacts is an enormous Saadian cannon that was used during the 1578 Battle of Three Kings (considered one of the greatest Portuguese military defeats in history). While this museum is a “must” for military buffs, I’d also recommend visiting for the panoramic views of Fes that are on offer from its elevated setting.
Please note that taking photographs inside Borj Nord is not allowed.
Opening hours of the Museum of Arms: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Museum of Arms: 20 dh
Best museums in Fes, Morocco
Occupying a historic funduq, or caravanserai, the Nejjarine Museum showcases the remarkable artistry and skill of local artisans. This gorgeous building overlooks Al-Najjarin Square, notable for its striking fountain, and is one of my favourite places to visit in Fes.
Once a hub for merchants, traders and visitors to the city, Funduq al-Najjarin provided them with a place to rest, store their goods and engage in commercial activities. Today, it houses a stunning collection of decorative objects, musical instruments and exquisite furnishings, several of which illustrate the difference between Amazigh traditions and Andalusian designs.
Highlights of the Nejjarine Museum's collection include the awe-inspiring door of the nearby Bou Inania Madrasa, together with wooden boards once used for Quranic recitations.
If you love woodwork (like I do), this museum should be high on your list of things to do in Fes. The inclusion of captions in Arabic, French and English makes it an informative experience for various language groups. After your visit, you can grab a drink at the rooftop cafe, which offers wonderful views over the medina.
While photos of the interior courtyard are allowed, you can't take pics of the exhibits themselves.
Opening hours of the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts: 10 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee for the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts: 30 dh
Housed within a 17th-century palace, Riad Belghazi is a private museum that’s run by the family who live here. What sets this museum apart from others in Fes is that fact that many of the artefacts on display are available for purchase. For antique lovers or those looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, you may just find it here!
The architectural details of Riad Belghazi serve as the perfect backdrop for the museum's collections, which showcase the remarkable skills and techniques of Moroccan artisans. In the first room, you'll find antique silver jewellery dating back to the early 18th century while the second room houses a stunning collection of silver pieces from the Saharan region.
In the third room, you’ll find gold jewellery hailing from not only Fes but also Rabat and Tetouan. Additional rooms at this Fes museum exhibit Moroccan caftans, embroidered textiles and musical instruments.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the opportunity to dress up like a local and have their picture taken, making this one of the best family-friendly museums in Fes.
Someone is usually on hand to guide you through the collection but a "tip" will likely be expected. Ask in advance if these situations make you feel uncomfortable. The rooftop terrace has wonderful views and drinks (tea, coffee and fresh orange juice) can be purchased onsite.
Opening hours of Riad Belghazi: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entrance fee for Riad Belghazi: 40 dh
Best museums in Fes, Morocco
Built in the 17th century to serve the Megorashim, or Jews expelled from Spain, this synagogue reflects the religious diversity of Fes in times gone by. It forms part of the Mellah, once the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco, and lies a short stroll from the Mansano Synagogue. Both of these buildings have been preserved with the help of the World Monuments Fund.
When visiting the Ibn Danan Synagogue, you'll notice a combination of Islamic and Moroccan design elements incorporated into the design - this is particularly noticeable in the stucco decorations and the tiled border of the wooden ark doors. Take note of the octagonal pillars and the green herringbone floors, as well as the Moorish arched filigree screen.
Descending into the basement, you can see the mikvah, or ritual bath, filled by an underground water source, which was an integral part of religious life in the community. Throughout the space, black and white photographs of other Moroccan Jewish sites are displayed, offering a broader glimpse into the country’s Jewish heritage.
For more information about Morocco’s Jewish population and cultural sites throughout the country, check out my detailed article Discovering Morocco’s Jewish Cultural Heritage.
Opening hours of the Ibn Danan Synagogue: 9 am to 5 pm (closed Saturdays)
Entrance fee for the Ibn Danan Synagogue: Donation
Best museums in Fes
Built in the early 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said, this former religious school takes its name from the nearby Souk al-Attarine, a bustling spice and perfume market that has long been integral to commercial life in Fes. It has been recently restored and really is an architectural masterpiece that shouldn't be missed when visiting the city.
Every time I step into the madrasa's galleried courtyard, I'm struck by the incredible attention to detail that adorns every surface, from the zellije tilework to the ornately carved stucco and the delicate cedar woodwork. This madrasa was once a place of learning, where students would study Quranic teachings before progressing to the prestigious University of al-Qarawiyyin next door (considered the oldest university in the world).
The square prayer hall, with its soaring ceilings and ornate mihrab, is a particular highlight, showcasing the Marinids' ability to create spaces that are both functionally efficient and aesthetically breathtaking. Beyond the main courtyard, the upstairs sleeping quarters that once housed the madrasa's students offer a more austere glimpse into the daily life of this historic institution. You can capture some fantastic photos across the rooftops of Fes through the upstairs windows.
Opening hours of the Al-Attarine Madrasa: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee for the Al-Attarine Madrasa: 20 dh