Place Seffarine

Place Seffarine is located in the old medina of Fez in the same square of Madrasa Seffarine, built in 1280 by the marinid sultan Abu Youssef, and the library of the University of the Al Qaraouiyine. The name comes from the art of manufacturing copper metal, an art that has been part of Moroccan culture for centuries, especially in Fez. Even though modern production and tools have been introduced over time, the place keeps its traditional character. Visitors can hear it even before arriving there, as the sound of the copper artisans tapping away reverberate down the alleys. 

Some of the most common products to be found at Place Seffarine are pans, pots, trays, teapots, strainers, kettles, couscous steamers, etc. Prices and quality vary so it is worth explore the place and do not forget to bargain when coming to a decision. There are also some places to eat around or just for a drink. Stop by a café for a strong cup of coffee or sweet mint tea and watch the life happening around while sharing the space with the local people. 

Place Seffarine is in the heart of Fez, Morocco. The city is in the north of the country and is one of the most beautiful in the region as one of the oldest in Africa. Called ‘The Athens of Africa’, it is rich in history, after all Fez was founded in 789, and invites people to visit mausoleums, madrasas, hammans, tea houses,  medinas, and more. Not only Fez is one of the four imperial cities as its importance is such that UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site. 

Place Seffarine is one of the most famous souks in Morocco where you can find beautiful metal workshops and watch artisans working, and besides that there is a lot to explore in Morocco, especially in the medina, which has more than nine thousand alleys. It is the opportunity to simply walk and discover everything it has to offer. If you departure from the Seffarine Square, right beside it is Karaouine Mosque and University, one of the oldest universities in the world that still operates until present days. Even though it is not open to non-Muslims, the library, which is the oldest in the world, welcomes all visitors. 

Other attractions worth mentioning are the madrasas Al-Attarine and Bou Inania. The first was built in 1323 and was beautifully decorated in Moroccan style with tiles adorning the walls and floor. The second was also found in the XVI century, by sultan Bou Inania, and is the most beautiful building in Fez, maybe even in Morocco. Even though non-Muslims visitors can only see the courtyard it is worth your time.

Still in the medina, visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, the only remaining synagogue there. After nearly being destroyed due bad conservation, the building from the XVII century was recently renovated and welcomes all visitors. Going up, on the hills above the medina, are the ruins of the Marinid tombs, a good spot for pictures and a panoramic city view. 

Either when entering or leaving the medina, check out the Blue Gate, which is one of the main entrances so you can’t miss it, and it is beautifully decorated with blue mosaic tiles. And only 10-minute walk from there visit the Jnan sbil Gardens, a cool spot to relax after all the walking. 

Around 25-minute walk from Fez Medina is another famous gate, the Bab Al Amer Gate, founded in 1276 and beautifully crafted. And if you like museums, the-former-palace-now-museum (since 1915) Dar Batha exhibits a nice collection of carpets, Moroccan tiles and woodcarvings from the XIV century. Take the opportunity to relax in the Andalusian-style garden outside. 

Finally, since Fez is a famous spot for leather products production you will find there many tanneries. The smell is not the most pleasant but the visit is something most visitors can’t resist to. Among the many options, Chouara Tannery is the most famous one. It dates from the XI century and the workers still use the same techniques of centuries ago. Because of the strong smell, a project tried to move the tannery to the outskirts of the city but since Chounara is a strong tourist attraction the plans were not taken further.