The Bensouda Palace (which today has become the Faraj Palace/ Palais Faraj) was built by Si Mohamed Bensouda, leader of a large family of the Fassi bourgeoisie.

Fez was then the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco but also – and still today is – the spiritual capital of the country, in addition to being a holy city. This imperial city is also the heart of the tradition of Moroccan craftsmanship.

At that time, everything went through Fez, and Fez was the central city of Morocco. Its economy was prosperous and the city was flourishing. In 1916, the Resident General Hubert Lyautey set up an urban policy for the preservation of the Medina (the old city) and created the new city of Fez.

The Fassi bourgeoisie of that time was both very learned and a great landowner. She lived in the Ziat district on the heights of the southwest flank of the Medina of Fez.

In 1912, Fez lost its prestigious status as capital in favor of Casablanca. Casablanca, gradually building a port of very large merchant capacity, became the economic and international hub of the country on the Atlantic coast.

This caused the departure of many old families and an important part of the population of Fassi origin. Some will more or less abandon their immense homes that were difficult to maintain.

This was also the case for the Bensouda Palace. It was gradually abandoned over the twentieth century until the year 2000, when it was completely fallen into ruins.

His new owner, Driss Faceh, explains: "This palace that I had known as a child, we acquired it with my wife Evelyne (1944-2013) that year. That was the only way for me to save it, by renovating it and restoring it to its former glory, but without betraying what it was."

"We then transformed it into a prestigious boutique hotel of very high standing of 25 suites, an oriental hammam and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants and a bar with a breathtaking view over the entire Medina."

The corridors were decorated by the late Evelyne Faceh.

"From our private collection, I wanted to share paintings made by contemporary and Moorish style masters, collections of old photos of the Medina of Fez from the 1900s, century-old Fassie pottery, carved bronzes and brass, ethnic jewelry, ancient Berber, Kabyle and Tuareg carpets, African sculptures, Dogon doors; antiques and modern consoles from contemporary designers."

Thus, in addition to the architectural beauty of the place, the corridors and various spaces of the Palace offer to eyes and heart a real palette of art and antique culture.