Fez – Oldest Imperial City of Morocco

Fez or Fes is the third largest and the oldest Imperial city of Morocco and has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is also believed to be one of the world’s largest car free urban areas and is the capital of the Fes-Boulemane region. By 2010, it had a population of around one million.

The city has two old medinas or old town, the larger being the Fes el Bali and behind its high walls lies a magical, medieval city which is vibrant with life in each of its 9000 narrow street. Al-Qarawiyyin which was founded in 859 AD is the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world and the city has been called the Mecca of the West and the Athens of Africa. This amazing city is the best location for historical landmarks since it is the oldest Imperial city.

Spiritual and Cultural Capital 

Fes is the spiritual as well as the cultural capital of Morocco and one can experience the real Morocco at Fes which is a fascinating and a vibrant city. Ville Nouvelle, the new part of Fes, was built by the French and is much different from the median where the wide boulevards are lined with modern shops and the traffic is too much. Though there is not much to explore, one can visit their westernized hotels if intending to lodge there. September to November and April to June are the best time to visit Fes and the climate is not too hot.

One can take advantage of visiting this destination in June when the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is usually held and get to know more about this amazing city. Fes el-Bali is an interesting site to explore and the biggest attraction of Fes. It is the entire old median and the best way to reach around and see its main sights is to hire a local guide through Riad or the hotel.

Two Alleys – Talaa Kebira/Talaa Seghir

The Talaa Kebira and the Talaa Seghir are the two main alleys in old Fes where both end up at the main gate of Bab Bou Jeloud. If one should lose their way, they can ask for the direction of the Bab Bou Jeloud which is very impressive with its little square having rooftop restaurants that are very enjoyable. The Kasbah restaurant is a decent one with excellent services where people have the liberty of lingering over mint tea while watching the city below.

Fes is also famous for leather products where most of which comes from the leather bazaar or souq in old Fes. The tanneries which have been operative right from the medieval times, has not changed much,is worth visiting and in order to visit them one has to go to a leather shop with handbags, slippers and jackets where the guide can help in exploring and navigating the traveller.

The Medersa Bou Inania built in 1300

The three museums in old Fes are worth visiting and a good place to rest from the bustle of the street. The Nejarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Craft is located in a beautiful building which has amazing little rooftop café. The Dar Batha Museum with interesting display or artwork is more enjoyable with its traditional blue coloured pottery that Fes is famous for, while the Belghazi Museum offers similar artworks though one can also buy them here if interested.

The museum located inside a palace, is very good and though a bit expensive, one can enjoy a good meal here. Medersas or religious schools are two, in old Fes, which are worth visiting. The Medersa Bou Inania which was built in 1300 has some beautiful examples of Merenid plasterwork as well as wood work while the Medersa el-Attarine is filled with amazing Merenid craftsmanship offering fantastic scenes of the old city from the rooftop. The Mellah which is the old Jewish quarter of Fes shows the difference of the architecture from the rest of the medina.

Jewish Cemetery/Merenid Tombs

The Jewish cemetery is quite eye catching with white tombstones heading down the side of a hill as far as possible, while some are over the edge and a guide would be very helpful in relating the history of the place. The Merenid Tombs is another interesting site which is located outside the walls of old Fes and one can see them from several rooftops in Fes. Most of the tourist head up the hill to the tombs to get a better view of Fes at sun set.

The Kairaouine Mosque is huge where 20,000 people can pray here, is tucked deep in the heart of medina and is difficult to get a glimpse of it since it is wedged between several shops and homes. However, the mosque had been recently opened for renovation and tourist can get a glimpse when the doors are open for public and get to see the beautiful tile work inside. The library too is one of themost important and oldest in the world.