
Fez is one of the world's last remaining medieval cities, strange, wild, and magnificent. Fez is full of busy souks, crowded cafes, intriguing Marinid architecture, amazing mosques, and authentic madrasas, with a history stretching back over a thousand years (Islamic schools).
It's no surprise that this northeastern city is recognized as Morocco's cultural center, with so much to see and do. In the fortified city of Fez el-Bali, more than 90,000 people live alone, and meandering through the bustling pedestrian streets of the medina is like stepping back in time - don't miss it.
Fes el-Bali
Fes el-Bali, which is located in the city's oldest walled district, is made up of over 9,000 narrow and convoluted lanes that are too narrow for cars to pass through. Fes el-Bali, in reality, is the world's largest car-free city.
The medina, which dates back to the Idrisid Dynasty and served as the region's capital between 789 and 808 AD, is the ideal place to get lost. You can easily accomplish so without even trying, thanks to the thousands of nooks, crannies, and meandering pathways.
Explore the bustling stores and booths, mosques and madrasas, leather tanneries, and kiosks offering everything from heated Moroccan tea, scented dates, and spices to souvenirs as you wander through the alleys. The best-preserved medina in the Arab world, Fez el-Bali is the ideal site to take up the real atmosphere of the delightful Moroccan turmoil. viajes a marruecos
Bou Inania Medersa
The Bou Inania Medersa is one of Fez's most attractive theological institutions in terms of architecture. It is one of the few non-Muslim-accessible religious buildings in Fez, having been built by the Merinid Sultan Bou Inan in the 1350s.
And it's definitely worth looking into. Beyond the magnificent brass entrance doors, there's a lot to see. The inside courtyard includes Moroccan Zellige tiles and carved dark cedar lattice screens, while the mihrab niche has onyx columns identical to those found in Cordoba's Great Mosque.
Bou Inania is unique in that it is attached to a functional mosque, which means it is closed to tourists during prayer times.
Curtidurías de Chaouwara
The Chaouwara tanneries, one of three active tanneries in Fez, is the city's largest leather workshop. It is a perpetual hive of activity in the already bustling medina, having been built in the 11th century.
Visitors can learn about the traditional leather-making method that has been employed in Fez for generations by looking at the innumerable round stone pots loaded with dye and liquids needed to soften leather hides.
Early in the morning is the finest time to explore the Chaouwara tanneries, when the pits are covered in vibrant dye. On the elevated terraces of the surrounding leather stores, the best vantage points are found. It's the ideal destination to find a wide range of leather items at reasonable costs, such as sandals and handbags.
Royal Palace of Fes
With its colorful mosaic architecture, lush gardens, and golden gates adorned with massive handcrafted brass door knockers, the Dar el Makhzen - or Royal Palace - is one of Fez's most outstanding sites.
As a tourist, unfortunately, you cannot explore the palace grounds, but you can view it from one of the seven impressive gates, characterized by remarkable Moroccan tiles and carved cedar wood. Despite the lack of access, the Royal Palace of Fez remains one of the most visited historical sights in Morocco.
A 14th-century madrasa for Koranic studies, three mosques, and a museum with a Carthaginian tomb and necropolis are all contained inside the property. A multitude of antique Moroccan antiquities, ranging from Rabat carpets and fine silk to handcrafted pottery and medieval manuscripts, may be found behind the majestic front. 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Madrasa Al-Attarine
The Al-Attarine Madrasa is a theological school with some of Fez's most striking Islamic architecture, located close to the spice and perfume bazaar in the heart of the medina. It has a wonderful rectangular courtyard that leads to a spectacular four-sided prayer hall, which was built in the 14th century.
With its elaborately carved stucco, Arabic calligraphy, tinkling fountain, and blue and green geometric mosaics covering the walls and floor, this Marinid courtyard is a feast for the senses. Visitors can observe the recently restored student dormitories upstairs, as well as the madrasa's major attraction, the courtyard.
Borj Nord
Borj Nord is a historic fortification in Fez that sits atop a hill with a view over the medina and the famous Bab Boujeloud. Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour built it to protect his people at the end of the 16th century, and it has been a museum of armaments since 2016.
The Borj Nord now includes a diverse collection of 5,000 weapons dispersed across 13 rooms, including swords, firearms, muskets, and other weaponry. A highlight is the 12-ton cannon that was employed in the infamous 16th-century Battle of the Magi.
When you've had your fill of admiring weaponry from all centuries and from all around Morocco, climb the north tower for one of the best panoramic views of Fez's medina. You will not be sorry!
Mosque of Kairaouine
The Kairaouine Mosque is Morocco's second largest mosque and one of Africa's largest. It is one of the most emblematic structures of the medina of Fes el-Bali, with a triangular-shaped green roof and two medieval minarets (one of which is the oldest Islamic monument in Fez).
The original structure, built in 859 by a Tunisian refugee, has been extended multiple times and can presently accommodate up to 20,000 people in prayer. Fountains, courtyards, and a library that is one of the world's oldest are all part of the complex, which is solely open to students.
The Kairaouine Mosque is also unquestionably one of the world's oldest universities, second only to Egypt's Al-Azhar. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, however they can enjoy the courtyard from the Medersa el Attarin's roof or from the gates.
Nejjarine Museum
The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts occupies three storeys of a renovated 18th century funduq (a former travelers' inn). Take your time to look at the beautiful examples of superb Moroccan woodwork, which include everything from expertly carved doors to handcrafted musical instruments.
Take a look at the fascinating collection of antique craftsmen's tools, wooden prayer beads, ancient Berber locks, and even traditional wedding furniture.
The wooden boards used by Koranic recitation students, as well as the rooftop cafe with a spectacular view of the medina, are highlights. Tours por Marruecos
Jardin Jnan Sbil
The Jnan Sbil Garden is one of the only green spaces in Fez, between the medina of Fes el-Bali and the Jewish quarter, a real breath of fresh air in an often chaotic city. These lovely gardens, surrounded by the ancient medieval walls of Fez's medina, are the ideal spot for a short lunch on one of the seats.
Quiet fountains, fragrant roses, poplars, palm trees, and ponds can be found along the walks. The garden's centerpiece is an old waterwheel.