Palais Faraj - A Charming Residence in the Heart of the Medina of Fès
Palais Faraj sits in the historic Ziat district, right in the heart of the Medina of Fès. The district is slightly elevated compared to the lower parts of the medina, giving the palace clear views over the city’s rooftops, minarets and winding streets.
This elevated position adds a sense of calm and privacy, while still keeping you fully immersed in the life and atmosphere of the medina, all with the comfort you’d expect from a luxury residence.
The palace was built in the early 20th century by Si Mohamed Bensouda, a well-known member of the bourgeoisie of the city of Fès. At the time, the palace served as his residence and stood as a symbol of the city’s wealth and its role as a center of trade and craftsmanship.
In the 1990s, Driss Faceh, a Fès native who cares deeply about preserving the medina, restored the palace. He kept the original Moorish-Andalusian architecture and local craftsmanship intact, turning it into a place that feels both historic and lived-in.
Palais Faraj also has a permanent art collection, put together by Evelyne Faceh, Driss’s wife. The pieces are displayed throughout the palace, giving it the feel of a home rather than a hotel. It’s a place where history, culture and everyday life come together.
The palace is in Ziat, a quiet corner of the medina, a short walk from Place Seffarine where you can still hear the metal workers at their forges. From here, you can explore the medina on foot, visiting souks, tanneries and historical sites.The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is comfortable and the city feels alive without being too hot.
Between the rooftops, the art and the light hitting the patios, you’ll leave with stories about Fès and photos of Morocco that make everyone back home wonder if you secretly inherited a palace!