Dar R'cif

Dar R'cif is a traditional residential house in Fès organized around central courtyards with rooms that open onto patios featuring detailed mosaic tilework, hand-carved wooden ceilings, and traditional hanging lanterns. The layout allows rooms to face inward toward these courtyards, creating a private and sheltered living environment.

The house was built in the 14th century as a residence for a wealthy family in Fès during a period when the city was a major hub for trade and scholarship. Its construction reflects the prosperity and importance the city held at that time.

The riad functions as a living space where traditional craftsmanship and local artistic skills remain visible in daily use. Visitors can observe how artisans work with materials and techniques passed down through generations in this residential setting.

Access is on foot through the narrow streets of the medina, so it helps to allow extra time for orientation or explore the area with local guides. The rooms are connected through internal staircases across multiple levels, so visitors should be prepared for stepping between different elevations.

The rooftop provides an open vantage point overlooking the medina where visitors can hear the call to prayer from this elevated position. This perspective allows one to grasp the full scale of the old city and the rhythm of daily life unfolding below.