It is said that the most astonishing pieces of Moroccan handicrafts were shaped by the hands of the Fez artisans. You may choose not to believe me. However, watch how your skepticism slowly fade away once you come across the arts and crafts collection that the Dar Batha museum houses. I never heard of this museum before. It’s a good thing some of the recent Fez Sacred Music festival daytime concerts were held here. And even better is the fact that the place is just a few minutes walk from my Fez hotel.

The Dar Batha Museum, which is a 19th century Hispano-Moorish royal palace turned museum built under the rule of Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I, serves as the resting place of some of the finest Moroccan carpets, woodcrafts, ceramics, and other artsy decorations. The part of the museum that draws more visitors is the pottery room. Here, you can easily distinguish which Moroccan ceramics were molded by the Fez craftsmen. If a ceramic has that distinct “Fez Blue” color which can only be achieved by the creative use of cobalt, then it is a product proudly made by a Fez craftsman.

After a tiring but absolutely enjoyable stroll inside the Dar Batha Museum, relax and soothe your senses with the fresh air and cozy ambiance offered at the museum’s garden. Do this. Believe me, this part is the cherry on top of the cake.

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