Henna Souk (market), Fes

Just off the Al-Attarine Souk, accessed through an arch opposite the Dar Saada restaurant, this charming henna market is one of the medina's most picturesque squares. Its focal point is a massive, gnarled fig tree at the center, surrounded by rows of stalls offering spices, henna, kohls, and aphrodisiacs.

Along the pathway leading to the henna souk, ceramic shops display a diverse array of Fassi pottery, typically adorned in blue-and-white hues. At the square's end, a plaque commemorates the Maristan Sidi Frej, a medical center, psychiatric hospital, and teaching facility that dates back to 1286. Serving as a model for the world's first mental hospital—established in Valencia, Spain, in 1410—the Maristan remained operational until 1944. Notably, it is believed to be the first asylum to incorporate musical therapy as a treatment method.

Plans are underway in the coming years to restore the Maristan to its original purpose, with the creation of a healthcare center, a museum dedicated to traditional medicine, and a market offering medicinal plants. In such a scenario, the henna souk is slated to relocate to a nearby fondouk.