The restored caravanserai housing the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts, Fes

Nejjarine Fondouk

Hours

Daily 10am-5pm

Entry

20 MAD

Duration

35 minutes

Location

Place Nejjarine, Fes el-Bali

A caravanserai restored to showcase woodworking arts. The building matters more than the collection. The rooftop café is the quietest perch in Fes.

The Carpenters' Fondouk

A fondouk was a combined inn and warehouse for merchants — the Moroccan equivalent of a caravanserai. The Nejjarine Fondouk, built in the 18th century, served the woodworking quarter (nejjarine means 'carpenters' in Arabic). It was restored in the 1990s and converted to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts.

The Fondouk

Three storeys arranged around a central courtyard with a carved fountain. The ground floor held workshops and storage. The upper floors were guest rooms. The restoration preserved the carved cedarwood, zellige, and wrought-iron details. The building is one of the most beautiful commercial structures in the Fes medina.

Visiting

On Place Nejjarine, deep in Fes el-Bali. The carved fountain on the square is a landmark. The museum collection — carved doors, musical instruments, tools, Quran stands — is well-displayed. The rooftop terrace gives a medina-level view over the surrounding neighbourhood. Allow 30-40 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

Morning for the rooftop light.

Getting There

On Place Nejjarine in Fes el-Bali. Follow signs from the spice souk or ask for the Nejjarine Fountain.

Local Tip

The foundouk building is as impressive as the collection

Common Questions

A merchant's inn and warehouse — the Moroccan caravanserai. Traders stored goods on the ground floor and slept upstairs. The Nejjarine Fondouk served the carpenters' quarter.

Yes. The terrace gives views over the Fes medina rooftops.

Walking Distance

Nearby

Monuments

Bou Inania Madrasa

Workshops

Chouara: The Oldest Tannery in the World

The Nejjarine Museum sits on a square so quiet you'd miss it without a guide. We go for the rooftop — the view over the medina is the best-kept one in Fes.

Tell us about your trip →

Explore More