Bab Dekkakin Travel Guide: Top Sights in Morocco, Tours & Travel

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Bab Dekkakin- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Morocco; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Bab Dekkakin, also known as the "Gate of the Benches," is a historic gateway located between the Old and New Mechouar in Fes, Morocco. Built in 1276 during the Marinid dynasty under Sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub, the gate has undergone several transformations throughout its history. Originally serving as the main entrance to the city, it later became part of the royal precincts as the city expanded. The gate features a strategic bent entrance designed for defense, flanked by square towers. Over time, it evolved from a military structure to an accessible monument with aesthetic enhancements, such as Arabic inscriptions and floral motifs. Today, Bab Dekkakin plays an active role in Fes's cultural scene, serving as a backdrop for the World Sacred Music Festival and connecting its historical significance with contemporary celebrations.

Operators offering tours in Morocco

Attractions in Fes

Medina of Fez

4.6

Chouara Tannery

4.2

Bou Inania Madrasa

4.4

Bab Bou Jeloud

4.6

Al Attarine Madrasa

4.8

Royal Palace of Fez

Marinid Tombs

4.8

Dar Batha Museum

3.8

Reviews of Bab Dekkakin

Bekim

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-28

You feel like you went back in time here, really cool castle gate and ruins. Atmosphere boost with the market too.
Leo Pacino

4
Reviewed: 2023-10-31

Good place to shop for authentic Moroccan products!
Anas Sb

5
Reviewed: 2022-02-23

Bab Dekkakin or Bab Dekakene (Arabic: باب الدكاكين, romanized: bab ad-dekakin, lit. 'gate of the benches') is a fortified and ceremonial gate in Fes, Morocco. The gate is situated between the Old Mechouar (or Vieux Méchouar) and the New Mechouar (or Nouveau Méchouar) on the northern edge of Fes el-Jdid. The gate's original name was Bab es-Sebaa ("Gate of the Lion"), probably about a carved image or motif of a lion that has since disappeared. Originally, the name "Bab Dekkakin" was the name of what is now the gate to the Royal Palace itself, which was formerly the main entrance to the city (originally called Bab el-Oued or Bab el-Qantara) before the palace expanded to this point. Only later did the name come to designate Bab es-Sebaa. The name Bab Dekkakin means "Gate of the Benches" and is a reference to the previous existence of benches along the sides of the gate where those who were granted an audience inside the Palace would wait until called upon
sara el bohtouri

5
Reviewed: 2020-02-03

Very important historical monument and place of the festival of music soffi (spiritual) that Fez organizes each year
robertson Patrickson

5
Reviewed: 2018-01-16

There a sign that says moulay Hassan place. Old abandoned castle. Fun to explore. Do you so quickly, sometimes security may remove you .