Stepping Into a Living Canvas: My First Visit to the Fes, Morocco Tannery 🇲🇦

Imagine a place where time has paused — where ancient tradition, color, and craft collide in one breathtaking scene. That’s exactly how I felt stepping into the Chouara Tannery in the heart of Fes, Morocco 🇲🇦. It was my first time, and nothing could have prepared me for what I saw… or smelled! Tucked away in the winding alleys of Fes el-Bali, the tannery is like stepping into a living museum. The scent hit me first — strong, earthy, unforgettable. Thankfully, the guide handed me a sprig of fresh mint, a local trick to help soften the pungent aroma of raw hides and natural dyes. I tucked it under my nose as I climbed up to a balcony overlooking the tannery floor. And there it was: a sight so vivid, it looked like a painter had spilled his palette across the ground. Dozens of circular vats filled with colorful dyes — mustard yellows 🟡 , blood reds 🔴, ocean blues 🔵 — and artisans knee-deep in the pools, working with deliberate, practiced movements. It was hypnotic, beautiful, and surprisingly calming to watch. 🥹 Each leather good sold in the nearby shops — from handbags to jackets 👜👞🧥 — is handmade and deeply tied to this place. Seeing the process firsthand gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every piece. 💖💖💖 #fez #morocco #tannery #handmade #morocco🇲🇦 #travel_2024