Castles & palaces
Dar al-Makhzen Fez
Dar al-Makhzen
The Dar al-Makhzen is a royal palace in Fez, established in 1276 during the Marinid dynasty as part of the Fez el-Jdid district. While the interior of the palace is not open to the public, visitors go to view the exterior architecture and the ornately decorated gates.
Getting There
The palace is located in the new city (Fez el-Jdid), which is accessible from the city centre via a short taxi ride or a walk. Depending on your starting point in the medina, the journey typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Time Allotment
Since access is limited to the exterior and the gates, you only need to allow 30 to 60 minutes to view the site and take photographs.
When to Visit
Morning visits are recommended to avoid the midday heat. The area can become crowded with tour groups during the peak tourist seasons. There are no specific seasonal closures for viewing the exterior.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location, this site can be combined with other nearby landmarks in Fez el-Jdid:
- Mellah of Fez: 0.2km
- Lalla Jemaa El-Zehar Mosque: 0.3km
- Alhamra Mosque: 0.4km
- Moulay Abdullah Mosque: 0.4km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors