Chouara Tannery
Fez, Morocco · Landmark
About Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery is the largest and oldest traditional leather tannery in Fez, dating back almost a thousand years. It is world-famous for its honeycomb-like stone vats filled with colorful natural dyes and softening liquids. Visitors flock here to watch master craftsmen work entirely by hand, keeping an ancient Moroccan craft alive in the heart of the medieval medina.
Don't miss
- Look down from surrounding shop rooftops to take in panoramic views of the iconic honeycomb-shaped stone dye vats.
- Watch artisans tread raw hides waist-deep in traditional limestone and pigeon dung mixtures used to soften leather.
- Learn about natural dyes such as saffron, poppy, and indigo that give Moroccan leather goods their rich colors.
- Explore the multi-story leather emporiums surrounding the pits that sell handcrafted bags, jackets, and traditional babouche slippers.
Plan your visit
Visit in the morning when the light is best for photography and artisans are actively working in the vats. The odor is also considerably milder during cooler morning hours compared to hot afternoons.
There are no official entry tickets because viewing areas are on private shop terraces. Shop owners do not charge for entry, but leaving a small tip or purchasing a souvenir is customary.
Located inside the pedestrian-only Fes el-Bali medina, the tannery is reachable on foot by walking east from Bab Bou Jeloud. Follow medina signs or hire an official guide to help navigate the maze of narrow alleyways.
Tips for visiting
- Accept the fresh mint sprig offered by shopkeepers to hold under your nose and help mask the pungent smell.
- Prepare to tip the terrace owner a small amount of dirhams if you take photos without buying any leather goods.
- Be firm and polite if you are not interested in buying leather, as shop staff can be very persuasive.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as nearby medina alleys can be steep and slick with runoff.
- Ignore unofficial street touts who insist the tannery is closed or offer unsolicited guiding services.
Chouara Tannery FAQ
Why does the tannery have such a strong smell?
The hides are treated in vats containing pigeon droppings, which are naturally rich in ammonia and act as a softening agent. Combined with raw animal hides under the sun, this ancient curing process produces a distinctly pungent odor.
Can visitors walk directly among the vats?
Casual tourists are generally not permitted to walk between the dye pits for safety, hygiene, and workflow reasons. The established and safest way to see the operation is from the rooftop terraces of the surrounding leather stores.
Do I need to buy something to access the rooftop terraces?
No purchase is required to take in the views and photograph the vats. However, terrace attendants will demonstrate their leather wares, and you should provide a modest cash tip if you decline to buy anything.
How can I tell if leather items are good quality?
High-quality Moroccan leather should feel soft and pliable rather than stiff or plastic-coated. It should have a rich, natural leather scent rather than a strong chemical smell, along with tight and even stitching.
More things to do in Fez
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate) Landmark
Admire the ornate tiled entrance that serves as the iconic gateway into the ancient medina.
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University Landmark
Glimpse into one of the oldest operating educational institutions in the world.
Bou Inania Madrasa Landmark
Marvel at stunning examples of Marinid architecture, intricate cedar woodwork, and detailed zellij tilework.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) Neighborhood
Stroll through historic alleys to see distinctive wooden balconies, the Jewish Cemetery, and Ibn Danan Synagogue.
Marinid Tombs Landmark
Hike or take a short taxi up the hill for sweeping panoramic views across the ancient medina at sunset.
Place Seffarine Neighborhood
Listen to the rhythmic hammering of coppersmiths crafting pots and cauldrons in this lively artisan square.
Dar Batha Museum Museum
Explore Moroccan arts and craftsmanship housed inside a former royal palace with a serene Andalusian garden.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: ema_11 on Pixabay.