Chouara Tannery: Morocco's 1000-Year-Old Site So Smelly Locals Offer Mint

• Chouara Tannery in Fez, Morocco, is a nearly 1,000-year-old site still operating as it did in the 11th century, famous for its unforgettable smell.
• Visitors are given mint leaves to cope with the strong odor before viewing the tannery, which produces some of Morocco’s finest leather.
• The tannery uses an ancient process involving quicklime, salt, cow urine, and pigeon droppings to soften animal hides, resulting in renowned soft, durable leather.
• From surrounding rooftops and leather shops, visitors can observe workers in stone vats filled with vivid dyes, transforming raw hides.
• Morning visits are recommended for the best views, as sunlight illuminates the dyes and the tannery is most active.