Discover the History and Architecture of Dar Seffarine in Fes, Morocco

Nov 06, 2025 0

Stepping into the Fez Medina is like entering one of the greatest medieval cities in the world.

It was my first time landing in the vibrant and rambunctious city of Fes in Morocco and what better way to start off the adventure than staying in Riad Dar Seffarine! As soon as I walked into this oasis from the chaos of the Medina, I knew then that I never wanted to leave.

Dar Seffarine, a recently restored 600 year old Moorish inspired building, currently serves as a guesthouse hidden from much of the chaos of Fez’s ancient medina streets. The home allows for its mostly Western clientele to experience the medina and traditional riads while maintaining a certain level of comfort. Indeed, authenticity and comfort seem to have weighed heavily in the minds of Dar Seffarine’s owners and renovators.

Here’s why you should check into Dar Seffarine on your visit to Fes!

Although this Riad is spectacularly grand with high walls and the most gorgeous Moroccan design, it doesn’t lose its cosy, friendly charm. With its welcoming owners and staff, you’ll feel more like family when you leave.

The architecture of Fez, Morocco, reflects the wider trends of Moroccan architecture dating from the city's foundation in the late 8th century and up to modern times.

The Dar Seffarine is found in a perfect location in the medieval medina of Fes, just next to Seffarine Square and very close to many of the sights you must see in Fes. This place has a lot of style, and every single detail tells you a long story.

FES | 48 Hours in the World's Biggest Medina | Morocco Travel Guide

Skyline view of the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in the Qarawiyyin Quarter of Fez.

The Top Reasons to Choose Dar Seffarine

It’s an oasis in the heart of Fes Medina
It’s as old as Fes itself
The owners renovated the building themselves
The Moroccan details in each room are spectacular
You can enjoy the panoramic view from their terrace
Meals are more of a family affair
You’ll never want to leave

1. An Oasis in the Heart of Fes Medina

As you get your taxi from the new city of Fes, you’ll slowly notice going back in time until you reach the Old city. Surrounded by a fortress, the Medina is the perfect place to get lost.

Walking towards the entrance of the walled city, we had a feeling our guesthouse riad might be difficult to find. Fortunately, a young boy led us there, weaving through the dark alleyways pregnant with the scent of musky spice.

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Dar Seffarine is only a two-minute walk from the Kairaouine Mosque and the Chaouwara tanneries; Fes’ most iconic spot. As you arrive you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a fresh pot of Moroccan tea! So refreshing after hustling through the Medina.

Chouara Tanneries in Fez.

2. As Old as Fes Itself

Originally built around 600 years ago, this Riad is one of the oldest in Fes Medina. Despite having a long history that ended up with it being in ruins, it still has many of the original details today.

The building is more than 6 centuries old and it’s a real architectural masterpiece. It can be noted that Alaa, the owner and architect who carried out the restoration, knows his job very well. First the eye he had in picking this place and then the way he carried out the renovation.

You’ll feel like Moroccan royalty as you wind your way through the corridors and stairways. The tiles, the gold doors, the sumptuous furnishings all make this place stand out from the crowd!

3. The Owners Renovated the Building Themselves

It took 3 years of hard work to save this Riad from ruin and the owner’s Kate and Alaa have done a fantastic job. Alaa is originally an architect from Iraq and Kate is a graphic designer from Norway.

It took three years of painstaking work to restore Dar Seffarine to its beauty of bygone days.

Together, with their skills, they have created a masterpiece that can host visitors from around the world.

The most amazing thing is that most of the original details like the tiles, rooms, and doors have been retained through the process.

4. Spectacular Moroccan Details in Each Room

Your jaw will literally drop as you walk inside your room. With the beautiful wooden furnishings, traditional Moroccan tiles, and gold lanterns and shades, you’ll step back in wonder.

As this hotel only has 7 rooms and suites, it’s more than spacious and each room is unique in its design.

Each room comes with a private bathroom, powerful air conditioning, and the comfiest bed to feel at home in!

5. Panoramic Views from the Terrace

As you wind up the stairs, you’ll eventually arrive on top of the Riad which has the most breathtaking view. Best paired with sunset, you can relax with a drink as the sun goes down and take in the whole city.

The terrace is one of the best places to spend some time at, while you stay in Dar Seffarine. The view of the medina from upstairs is simply spectacular, and you can enjoy both the sunset and the night lights of the city from here.

My personal favourite was watching the city light up and taking in the evening call to prayer from here, I had to pinch myself that I was actually here.

6. Meals as a Family Affair

Meals at Dar Seffarine are often like the ones you have at home. Where everyone sits at the same table and discusses and reflects on their day.

One thing really fascinated us during both breakfast and dinner, and what we didn’t expect to find, is that at the Dar Seffarine guests eat together at one large table. It’s like being in family, and in the end you learn a bit about the other people staying at the house. Eating breakfast and dinner together we heard great stories from the others, and they were lovely moments of sharing life and travel experiences.

As I was a solo traveler, this was the perfect opportunity to meet new people and get to know other travellers from around the world. I met a couple from Australia, Canada, and France and a family from Sri Lanka. It was such a lovely time getting to know everyone.

The food, which you will need to request in advance is better than any I had in the Medina (no lie) due to the fact it’s homemade in the Riad. We had a lamb tagine with prunes and almonds (Fes’ customary dish), Cous Cous with lashings of raisins, and the tastiest fig desert. I really feel that food that’s made from the heart tastes so much better.

If breakfast was spectacular, what adjective do we need to describe dinner? When we listened to the other guests, telling us that dinner here was the best meal they had in Morocco, we thought that they might exaggerate. But after tasting all dishes, we had to recognize that they were right. We just have to tell you that Gábor keeps on dreaming about the dinner we had in Dar Seffarine.

You can enjoy breakfast on their terrace and have a selection of coffee, tea, eggs, fruit juice, bread, fresh fruit and so much more.

7. You’ll Never Want to Leave

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt right at home. It’s like a little hideaway from the chaos outside and you will honestly want to stay there forever.

It will add a touch of luxury to your visit to Fes and you will cherish the memories that you make here long after you’ve left.

Don’t miss out on Dar Seffarine the best Riad in Fes, it waits to delight in you!

I would make sure that you book in advance as rooms fill up quickly!

With thanks to Dar Seffarine for hosting my stay, although I was a guest all thoughts, photos and opinions are entirely my own.

Kate, Alli and the whole staff are lovely people who will help you with everything and make you feel yourself at home. Alli for instance drew usa map by hand with the streets of Fes, which was much more helpful than any printed maps we could have found. They tell you that “guests make this place shine”, but the truth is that the place shines for itself.