Foundouk Tetouaniyine, 14th-century caravanserai in Medina of Fez, Morocco
Foundouk Tetouaniyine is a 14th-century caravanserai in the heart of Fez's medina featuring a central courtyard surrounded by multi-level galleries. The ground floor contains traditional storage and shop spaces where local artisans now display and sell their work.
This structure arose during the Marinid dynasty and received recognition as a national monument around 1925. Following decades of upkeep and restoration work completed in 2019, the building has returned to active use within the city's daily life.
The entrance displays ornate wooden corbels from the Marinid period with geometric and plant motifs alongside Arabic calligraphy, showcasing the craftsmanship valued in medieval Morocco. These decorative elements reveal the artistic care invested throughout the building's design.
The building sits within the winding medina and is best reached on foot, with its interior courtyard layout aiding navigation. Visitors should expect narrow passages and uneven ground, so comfortable footwear helps.
The name refers to merchants from Tetouan who stored goods here, showing how Fez once organized trading networks. This arrangement by city of origin was typical of how the medieval city structured its economy.
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