Hidden in the maze-like alleys of Fez’s medina lies one of Morocco’s most fascinating landmarks: Chouara Tannery. Known as the largest and oldest tannery in Fez, it has been operating for more than 900 years, making it a living museum of traditional craftsmanship. Visitors from all around the world come here to witness a process that has barely changed since medieval times.
A Living Tradition
The tannery is a place where raw animal hides—cow, sheep, goat, and camel—are transformed into soft, colorful leather. Workers soak the hides in large stone vats filled with natural ingredients, including pigeon droppings, cow urine, lime, and water, to clean and soften the skins. It may sound unusual, but this natural method has been preserved for centuries.
A Symphony of Colors
What makes Chouara Tannery truly unique is its vibrant colors. After cleaning, the hides are dyed in open-air vats using natural pigments:
Red from poppy flowers
Yellow from saffron
Blue from indigo
Brown from henna
Green from mint
From above, the tannery looks like an artist’s palette—an unforgettable sight of Morocco’s cultural identity.
The Experience for Visitors
Tourists usually view the tannery from the surrounding balconies of leather shops, where the panorama of colorful vats is breathtaking. Due to the strong smell, visitors are often given sprigs of mint to make the experience more pleasant. After the visit, many choose to buy authentic Moroccan leather products such as slippers (babouches), bags, jackets, and belts, all crafted by local artisans.
A Symbol of Moroccan Heritage
The Chouara Tannery is more than just a workplace—it is a symbol of Fez’s history, craftsmanship, and resilience. Despite modernization, the artisans continue to preserve this traditional art, passing it down from generation to generation. Visiting the tannery is like stepping back in time, where every color tells a story and every hide carries the spirit of Moroccan culture.