Foundouks

The foundouks of the medina of Fez in Morocco represent the artists’ workshop, the place where craftsmen gather to work. These magnificent buildings also serve as accommodation for travellers passing through. Once an essential hub of North Africa, travellers came to trade precious fabrics, spices, leather and all sorts of other goods in these foundouks.

Foundouks, seraglios in Fez El Bali

Architecturally speaking, a foundouk is a courtyard around which a “bazaar” trades, negotiates and lives off commercial transactions. Generally, this seraglio has a second floor where lodgings are offered to people passing through the medina of Fez. In a way, these foundouks created the concept of the guest house or accommodation in the medina of Fez, long before the riads that have now been restored into hotels.

The Medina of Fez, historically the heart of northern Morocco

When you negotiate with a merchant in the medina of Fez, you may ask for a particular item that this seller doesn’t have in his shop. He might then suggest going with him to a foundouk to find the piece you need. Understand that these were also places for storage, lodging and trade. Today, some dwellings in the medina serve as storage, but that does not make them a foundouk—simply the back room of a medina shop.

Listed by UNESCO, foundouks under restoration

There are more than 100 foundouks in Fez El Bali; several of these seraglios have been restored while keeping their original appearance, with carved cedar wood, finely crafted stucco, and enamelled zellige tiles. The ADER, which works with UNESCO, estimates that around thirty are in a state of near ruin, that nearly two-thirds of these foundouks are damaged and need renovation, and that between 15 and 20 foundouks are in good condition.

Visit the medina of Fez through Nejjarine

Among the restored foundouks is that of Nejjarine, absolutely splendid and an essential stop on your visit to the medina of Fez. This seraglio now houses a museum and offers you a wonderful example of the beauty of these historic sites. The woodwork was crafted before the 2000s, and the Nejjarine foundouk embodies the monumental constructions of the Alaouite era.

Visit the Mellah, near Batha

The Fondouk Lihoudi is located near the Mellah (link to medina of Fez page, mellah anchor), the Jewish quarter of the city of Fez situated between Fez El Bali (the old Fez) and the new town. You can reach it by passing through Boujloud square or by walking a short distance from Batha square.

Fondouk in Talaa

A third Foundouk chosen for your visit to the medina of Fez is the foundouk kaat smen, which will be on your route. Indeed, this foundouk held a prime location as it was situated in Talaa Kbira (link to talaa kbira), rather on the upper part of the slope towards Bab Boujloud. This foundouk dealt in food goods such as olives, olive oil, butter, honey, and several workshops where craftsmen practised their skills.