Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el-Makhzen)

The Royal Palace, or Dar El Makhzen, situated in Fes, Morocco, stands as a testament to architectural splendor, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century, commissioned by Marinid sultan Abu Yusuf Aq’qub. This historic site holds a prominent position as one of Morocco most renowned palaces, attracting global visitors.

Distinguished by its captivating architecture and intricate design, the palace encompasses a vast courtyard adorned with a central marble fountain, creating a visually stunning ambiance. Within its walls, the Royal Palace boasts marvelously decorated rooms, including notable spaces like the Hall of Forty Columns and the Sultan’s Chamber.

Open to visitors, the palace offers a captivating tour of its interior rooms and gardens, showcasing elaborate carvings and mosaics that embellish walls and ceilings. A visit to the Royal Palace provides an enriching experience for those seeking a blend of history and aesthetics.

Beyond its architectural allure, the Royal Palace hosts several museums, adding to its cultural significance. Notable among them are the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of Photography, contributing to Fes cultural landscape and offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of Morocco artistic heritage.

Interior of the Royal Palace in Fes

Exemplifying the grandeur of Arabic architecture, the Royal Palace stands adorned with intricate carvings and captivating mosaics, creating a striking visual spectacle. The opulence of the palace extends from its exterior to its interior, where grandiose hallways and lavish rooms showcase the pinnacle of architectural craftsmanship.

A notable highlight is the marble courtyard, framed by stunning arches and columns, offering a harmonious blend of elegance and structural prowess. Originally constructed in the 12th century, the Fes Royal Palace has undergone extensive renovations and currently serves as the residence of the Moroccan royal family, boasting exquisite tilework, mosaics, and carvings.

The Royal Palace Interior captivates visitors with its remarkable ceiling adorned with intricate carvings, while the walls feature beautiful tiles in an array of colors. The floors, paved with intricate mosaics, lead to several courtyards, each surpassing the previous one in beauty.

The palace’s interior is a testament to Moroccan architecture splendor, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every corner. From beautiful mosaics and carvings to tapestries, the Royal Palace Interior invites exploration, encouraging visitors to savor its aesthetic richness. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of this architectural gem, taking your time to appreciate every facet of its allure.

Exterior of the Royal Palace of Fes

The exterior of the Royal Palace in Fes, Morocco is a breathtaking spectacle, its pink and white facade standing in striking contrast against the cityscape. Situated atop a hill in the old city center, this architectural gem commands attention from every vantage point in Fes.

Imposing tall walls and turrets characterize the palace’s exterior, with a grand entrance leading visitors into a courtyard surrounded by arcades and featuring a central fountain. The sheer magnitude of the walls and turrets reflects the historical might and grandeur of the Moroccan monarchy, showcasing intricate stonework and captivating tile details.

The Royal Palace, a rectangular structure with four turrets at each corner, is crafted from red sandstone adorned with meticulous carvings and tilework. The main entrance, marked by a large gatehouse flanked by two towers, invites admiration for its regal aesthetics.

This residence of Moroccan sultans boasts peristyle courtyards, adorned with fountains and mosaics, contributing to its overall magnificence. The oldest section, in continuous use since the city’s foundation, harmonizes with newer additions crafted by successive sultans, each leaving their mark on this architectural masterpiece. For anyone visiting Fes, the Royal Palace stands as a must-see, a testament to Morocco rich history and architectural brilliance.

Can you visit inside the Royal Palace?

The Fes Royal Palace, the largest in Morocco, stands as a notable tourist attraction, drawing visitors to admire its majestic exterior. However, the interior remains off-limits to visitors as it continues to serve as a royal residence for King Mohammed VI and his family.

While exploring Fes, if fortunate enough to be there during a period when the king is not in residence, visitors may catch a glimpse of the palace from the outside. It’s crucial to adhere to security restrictions and refrain from attempting unauthorized entry.

Respecting the privacy and sanctity of the royal residence, visitors are advised not to venture inside without proper permission. Despite the limitation on interior exploration, the Fes Royal Palace remains a captivating site well worth a visit for its historical significance and architectural grandeur.

Design and Structure of Dar El-Makhzen in Fes

The Dar El-Makhzen palace stands as a magnificent testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Moroccan monarchy, showcasing an impressive design and structure.

This large and sprawling complex encompasses various buildings, gardens, and courtyards, with its design rooted in the traditional Andalusian style known for intricate Moorish designs and arches. The main entrance, marked by a substantial gatehouse and flanked by towering structures, leads into a vast courtyard surrounded by arcades.

These arcades, in turn, are bordered by numerous buildings, including the royal residence, government offices, and religious structures. The palace’s gardens are a striking feature, divided into sections for fruits and vegetables, flowers, and orange trees. A central pool, surrounded by a promenade, adds to the overall allure.

Revered as the jewel of Marrakech, the palace is a symbol of wealth and power, epitomizing the grandeur and majesty of the Moroccan monarchy. Situated in the heart of Fes, near the main square, the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) is easily accessible with clear signage guiding tourists to its captivating grounds.

How much to visit the Royal Palace in Fes?

For those seeking an intriguing and stunning destination in Morocco, the Royal Palace in Fes stands out as a must-visit site.

Serving as the residence of the king of Morocco, this majestic palace is among the country top tourist attractions. The good news for visitors is that it’s FREE to explore the gate of Dar El-Makhzen Palace. However, it’s essential to note that there might be restrictions on visits for non-Moroccan citizens.

To gather more information and ensure a smooth visit, it’s advisable to check with the Royal Guards stationed at the gate. This way, visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Royal Palace while adhering to any necessary guidelines or regulations.

When the Palace is open?

Dar El-Makhzen Palace welcomes visitors around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the flexibility to explore at your convenience.

For budget conscious travelers in Fes, a visit to Dar El-Makhzen Palace is a fantastic option. Not only is entry free, but there are also no restrictions on visiting. With its doors open every hour of every day, you have the freedom to plan your visit at any time that suits your schedule.

For those eager to delve into Moroccan culture, the Royal Palace in Fes offers a captivating experience. Spend a few hours exploring this iconic site, immersing yourself in the rich heritage and enjoying breathtaking sights.

Golden Gates of the Royal Palace in Fes

Situated in Fes, Morocco, the Royal Palace is renowned for its stunning golden gates, attracting numerous tourists eager to capture their beauty.

The gates have become an iconic symbol of wealth and royalty, often photographed by visitors drawn to their fame. With intricate and ornate designs, the gates add a sense of grandeur to the palace, enhancing its overall magnificence. Beyond their exterior allure, the interior of the palace is equally impressive and open for exploration.

Notably, there are a total of 7 golden gates, with 6 accessible to the general public and 1 reserved for the royal family. Initially crafted from wood, these gates have undergone meticulous maintenance and restoration over the years, preserving their exquisite appearance. For a truly impressive sight in Fes, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace and witness firsthand its world famous golden gates.

Where to stay near the Palace of Fes

This palace represents one of the most important tourist spots in Fes, so if you are looking for a place to stay in Fes, the ideal is to locate a place as close as possible to the palace.

Any hotel in Fes can offer you a wide variety of services since they are characterized by meeting the needs of their guests throughout their stay.
In the Medina of Fes, you can find a traditional Riad on the main street of the Medina, just a few meters from the royal palace of Fes because the palace is located in the best location is everything close to the Madina, a new town…

Morocco Tours from Fes

Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, offers an immersive experience through a variety of tours. Explore the bustling medina, vibrant souks, and historic sites like Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa. Foodies can enjoy Moroccan cooking classes and food tours, while nature enthusiasts can venture to the Middle Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen, and the Sahara desert. Whether you seek history, culture, or relaxation, Fes has the perfect tour for you. Get into the city’s rich heritage and indulge in its culinary delights. Discover the beauty of Fes through carefully curated tours designed to create lasting memories.

• Check out the best Morocco desert tours from Fes