FES CITY //MOROCCO
Fes was the capital of Morocco until 1925, and is now the capital of the Fès-Boulemane administrative region. The modern Turkish name for Morocco, Fas, originally referred only to the capital city.
The city has two old medinas, the larger of which is Fes el Bali. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world's largest car-free urban areas.Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in AD 859, is the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa"
Fez is the oldest imperial city in Morocco with the world's oldest university (Qarawiyyin University), largest medina (old quarter) and souk (market), magnificent old walls and gates, and all this practically unchanged since medieval times. The old city is called the medina and you have to get lost in this maze of tiny streets to really feel the Fez reality.
Things to do
• Traditionally an exploration of the medina should start at the Bab Boujlloud Gate and include a visit to one of the famously elaborate, carved and mosaic medersas (religious schools) such as 14thC Bou Inania.
• Sights that are no entry to non-muslims but offer spectacular exterior décor are the Moulay Idriss II shrine , the tomb of Fez's founder, the Qaraouyine library-mosque and the al-Tijani mosque.
• The tranquil Merenid Tombs adjacent to the Merenid Hotel, give panoramic views over Fez. Alternatively head up into the hills around Fez where there are two accessible forts and terrific views.
Another big Fes attraction is leather production in Quartier des Tanneurs, starting with interesting but odourous vats...
• Quartier des Tanneurs
The old town tanneries still use medieval leather-making techniques. Visit early though as once the sun hits the tannery the smell can become overpowering. It's probably best to hire a young guide for a pittance as the tannery workers are not very welcoming to stangers snapping them!
The tanners' quarter is found beside the Andalusian quarter and near the ancient Dar Batha Palace museum that displays and explains the arts and traditions of Fès along with concerts during the Festival of World Sacred Music every June.
The tanners' quarter is found beside the Andalusian quarter and near the ancient Dar Batha Palace museum that displays and explains the arts and traditions of Fès along with concerts during the Festival of World Sacred Music every June.
..followed by drying the skins, before colouring and shaping in jackets, waistcoats, great coats, hats and of course...
Guides
If you want a guide then it's advisable to arrange one through your hotel or the Fés tourist office (best value) before going into the medina. This is more expensive initially but will guarantee you full and credible information on this fascinating city and will definitely save you time and money as well. Regular street guides are only superficially informed and extract most of their revenue from shopkeeper commissions, thus making your shopping more expensive.
....shoes, mad shoes. Shoes for now or made to order within a day or two.
Shopping for exotica in the labyrinthine souk is another big Fes attraction, but beware navigation. Either hire a guide or enjoy being lost.
An elaborately decorated mosque embedded in Fez' souk.
SHARE US →