Ibn Danan Synagogue 🇲🇦

Located in the historic Mellah (Jewish quarter) of Fez, Morocco, the Ibn Danan Synagogue offers you a rare, authentic glimpse into the city's rich Jewish heritage. Built in the 17th century by wealthy merchant Mimon Boussidan and reopened in 1999 after extensive restoration, this remarkable sanctuary was constructed specifically as a place of prayer rather than converted from a residence. When you visit, you enter through an unassuming simple doorway that looks just like neighboring houses.

Inside, a short flight of stairs leads you into a high rectangular room supported by three central pillars. As you explore, you will see walls wainscoted with blue figured Moroccan tiles, an intricately carved wooden Torah ark, and a painted beamed wooden ceiling. Opposite the ark, look for the raised seating alcove featuring a finely carved wooden screen and a cantilevered wooden bimah topped by a wrought iron canopy with Islamic-style arches.

Do not miss the subterranean vaulted chamber beneath the main hall; a narrow staircase guides you down to a historical mikveh, a ritual bath fed by an underground water channel that was rediscovered during 1990s restoration efforts.

What to see at Ibn Danan Synagogue

• Blue figured Moroccan tile wainscoting and painted beamed wooden ceiling
• Carved wooden Torah ark set beneath intricately detailed carved plasterwork
• Wooden bimah featuring a crown-topped wrought iron canopy with Islamic-style arches
• Subterranean vaulted chamber housing a historic mikveh fed by an underground water source
• Distinctive raised alcove separated by an elaborately arched carved wooden screen

Visiting tips

Look closely for the entrance along the street, as the simple exterior doorway is styled to be indistinguishable from the surrounding private homes.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Ibn Danan Synagogue is easy to reach on Fes’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Andalusian Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fes travel guide.