Chouara Tannery Travel Guide: Top Sights in Morocco, Tours & Travel

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

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Located in the medina of Fes el Bali, Chouara Tannery is the largest and most historically significant of Fez's traditional tanneries, with roots dating back over a thousand years. Leather production has been a key industry in Fez since the 9th century, supplying markets across North Africa and beyond. The tannery's stone vats, filled with natural dyes and treatment solutions, preserve techniques that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Artisans process hides using age-old methods, relying on materials like pigeon droppings, quicklime, and plant-based dyes. While its craftsmanship remains a cornerstone of Fez's heritage, modern environmental and health challenges have led to efforts aimed at balancing tradition with sustainability.

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Reviews of Chouara Tannery

Legends l

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-30

It is great that the tanneries are accessible to tourists. Entry is free of charge through the leather shops after weaving you through a few of their shops. This is a workplace/ market that is open to the public to give us a glimpse of what goes on here. It is not there as a tourist attraction only, it is people’s livelihood. We did not have a guide but simply used Google maps to find it. The shop keepers were friendly and there was no pressure to buy anything. They give you some fresh herbs to help reduce the smell. Interesting place to see how people work and survive. The stench from the River behind the tannery is far stronger than the tannery itself. Be weary of people telling you or giving you directions without even knowing where you are going. People can be short tempered if they persist and you continue to engage with them. Sometimes you need to simply walk away! Great place to visit with all the above in mind.
peter Doohan

2
Reviewed: 2024-07-01

If you go plot the way on Google maps before hand and stick to it. Do not use a guide as it is not that difficult to find and the guide will take you all over the place to make you think, that they have earned their pay. They have not! I overheard one guide tell his group “ this is where you can buy bread “. That’s the level of local knowledge these guys have. Do your homework on Wikipedia and give your money to charity. Good luck.
730wario Ramirez

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-04

If you love leather this is where you come.. My wife & two kids got there on our own just exploring the souks. Don’t let the hagglers haggle you
GOD WILL

5
Reviewed: 2023-11-04

Place to appreciate the leather we wear🙂. It smells bad how ever it is nice to see the process of coloring the leather. VERY Recommended to see. watch out for the people who come to help you. Nothing is free all about asking for money. Bring a lot of change with you🙂
Rosalva Kanotra

4
Reviewed: 2023-06-27

We saw the place from a leather shop through a guide we hired from our RIAD- I would recommend to do that. He gave us a history and explanation of the leathering process. You get mint to smell since depending of where you are the smell is very bad. We saw the entrance from below, wanted to see it and almost got haggled for a bunch of money. We gave a guy that took us down all our change and he wanted more so just be careful! The view is def better from the leather shops.