Ever wondered how royal guests were entertained in Fes? I will tell you a story about Bab El Batha.
Bab El Batha stands as a testament to Fes’s rich history. This former royal palace whispers tales of sultans and honored guests. Commissioned by Sultan Hassan I in the late 19th century, it was completed by his successor Abdelaziz. Imagine it then as a summer retreat. Also, it was a place to welcome important visitors.
Now known as the Dar Batha Museum, Bab El Batha boasts a collection of over 6500 objects. Dar Batha became a museum in 1915. It was the first museum in Morocco, initially showcasing national art. These artifacts found their home here after being moved from crumbling madrasas and mosques of Fes.
Wander through the museum’s courtyard. It is a vast rectangular space. Notice the colorful zellij mosaic tilework. It adorns the floor and surrounds ornamental fountains. These mosaics are at the east and west ends of the courtyard. Look up at the galleries. Large horseshoe arches in brick define the east and west ends. Painted wood graces the north and south galleries.
Consider the garden. It is a typical riad layout in the Andalusian style. The garden makes up around 58% of the entire area of the palace. A rectangular area divides into four parts. A fountain sits at its middle. Landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier originally arranged the garden in 1915. He designed it for the recreational use of visitors. Picture palm trees, jacarandas, and hibiscus. They once offered shade and beauty. Today, concerts and festivals fill the air with music here.
Inside Dar Batha, discover a treasure trove of Moroccan art. Admire the intricate woodcarvings. Marvel at the traditional zellige tilework. Appreciate the sculpted plasterwork. It is known as tadelakt. The museum displays Berber carpets and Fassi embroidery.
The Dar Batha Museum also holds old coins and antique instruments. A room full of astrolabes awaits. These early scientific instruments helped identify celestial bodies. They also determined latitude and time.
The museum’s ceramics collection is remarkable. It includes examples of the famous blue pottery of Fes. Artisans developed this style in the 10th century. They used a cobalt glaze to create intricate blue patterns. This style is now known as Fez Blue.
Bab El Batha has undergone renovations. These renovations began in April 2019. The aim is to reopen it as a Museum of Islamic Arts.
From royal palace to a sanctuary of art, Dar Batha encapsulates the spirit of Fes. It is a place where history, art, and culture converge.