FEZ MUSEUMS TOUR

Product Description

DAR BATHA MUSEUM

The Dar Batha Museum of Fes Morocco was originally a palace built in a Hispanic-Moorish design by Moulay Hassan at the end of the 19 th century. The palace belonged to the two Sultans Hassan I and Moulay Abdelaziz. In 1915 Dar Batha Palace took on the role of providing a home to Moroccan arts and was reinvented as the Dar Batha Museum. If you have an appreciation for art, craft and history, the Dar Batha Museum in Morocco is a must-see attraction. The Dar Batha Museum boasts some of Morocco’s most exquisite collections of antiques, astrolabes, aleju (Fes gold thread), traditional Fassie art works such as embroideries, zellij, sculpted works, jewelry, iron works, Korans, carpets and ceramics.

NEJJARINE MUSEUM OF WOOD ARTS AND CRAFT

Fondouk Nejjarine, which is home to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, or Musée du Bois, located in the same area Nejjarine Souk . As the name suggests, this museum showcases the skill of woodcarvers and artists both in the embellishments of the building and the intricately decorated items on display. Recognizing the need to preserve this ancient craft and display it to both local and international visitors, Fondouk Nejjarine was declared a national monument in 1916 and underwent extensive restoration work in 1988.

Fondouk Nejjarine was originally built in the 18th century as a caravanserai (roadside inn) in Fez where travelers could rest before continuing their, journey. These buildings, which are found throughout Morocco, were typically built in a square or rectangular shape around an inner courtyard, usually with a fountain in the middle creating an oasis from the Moroccan heat. Fondouk Nejjarine follows this style, with the two upper floors featuring beautifully carved wooden arches and railings from which visitors can look down upon the courtyard.

BORJ-NORD WEAPONS MUSEUM

This old XVIth century fortress close to the ramparts remains true to its military tradition since it has been transformed into the Weapons Museum. The collections have been built up mainly as a result of royal donations and include a number of rare pieces. Weapons specialists will appreciate the development of techniques while art lovers will be impressed by the splendour of the objects. Live the golden age of weaponry: everything is on display here, from the prehistoric axe to the modern rifle. And every civilisation is represented: Indian, European or Asiatic. However, the finest exhibits are undoubtedly Moroccan: the daggers encrusted with stones or the rifles with their inlaid butts – and there can be no question as to the most imposing piece of all – its size and weight speak volumes! A canon 5 metres long and weighing 12 tons, used during the Battle of the Three Kings.