FES: THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF MOROCCO
Fes is the ancient capital of Morocco. It is also known as the “Athens of Africa” due to its importance and cultural richness. The oldest university in the world is located in Fez.
It was founded in 789 by the Sharif Idris I (Moulay Idris). It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, and even though it has grown with a new part of the city, the medina remains lively, bustling, just as it was in the Middle Ages.
Therefore, walking through its streets is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. And this can be both magical and chaotic.
WHAT TO SEE IN FEZ
FEZ EL BALI
Fez El Bali was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It was built in the mid-9th century and is an immense labyrinth of narrow streets, alleys, and ostentatious squares that functioned as a commercial center in the medieval period.
There are almost ten thousand streets, all of them prohibited for vehicles. It is only possible to walk on foot or on the backs of donkeys. In them, you find everything: fruits, meats, vegetables, handicrafts, footwear, cosmetics, and much more.
TALAA SGHIRA AND TALAA KEBIRA
Talaa Sghira and Talaa Kebira are the most famous streets in Fez.
Talaa Sghira begins at the Blue Gate, the main access to the medina, and extends to the so-called lower part of Fez, near the University of al Quaraouiyine. It contains the city’s best shops and attractions, as well as some hotels and good restaurants, in addition to being an excellent point of reference for those who wish to circulate through the medina.
Talaa Kebira, in turn, goes from the Bab Bou Jeloud gate to the Attarine Madrasa and functions as an immense open-air shopping center.
ATTARINE MADRASA
The Attarine Madrasa was founded in the early years of the 14th century. It is an old Islamic school that is still in operation today, but it is only open for visitation when classes are not taking place on site.
It is considered a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, designed in the Arab style, covered with thousands of arabesques and decorated tiles.
AL-QARAWİYİN UNIVERSITY
The Al-Qarawiyin University is considered by Guinness to be the oldest university in the world. It was founded in 859 AD by a woman (but could only be attended by men at the time), and was one of the largest educational centers in the ancient world.
It still functions today as a university and Quranic school, in addition to having a mosque. Its library gathers more than 4,000 Arabic books and manuscripts of great historical importance.
Unfortunately, entrance is forbidden to non-Muslims.
BAB BOUJLOUD
Bab Boujloud is the official name of the famous Blue Gate of Fez. It was built in 1913.
It is an immense gate that separates the medina from the newer part of the Moroccan cultural capital. It has impressive decoration, with various mosaics and arabesques, and is surrounded by markets, shops, hotels, and many restaurants.
A large part of the tourists stay nearby, as it is well-known to everyone and a great point of reference. Around it, excellent Moroccan food restaurants gather.
PALACE OF SEVEN GATES
The Royal Palace of Fez is known as the Palace of the Seven Gates for being adorned with seven large bronze gates. It may seem strange, but there is one for each day of the week.
Each of the gates is decorated with hand-painted ceramics. Although the Palace is not open for visitation, the gates yield beautiful photos for your travel album.
CHOUWARA TANNERY
The Chouwara Tannery was founded in the 11th century and continues to operate to this day. It is one of the city’s postcards. Scenes from the soap opera O Clone were filmed in this location.
There, cow, goat, sheep, and camel hides are treated with pigeon droppings and dyed with natural products, such as saffron and indigo. The smell is terrible, so, upon entering, guides serve mint leaves to mask the odor.
During the visit, you will learn how the leather is prepared. Take the opportunity to take many photos and guarantee leather products at friendly prices!
PLACE BOUJLOUD
Place Boujloud is the square located in front of the Blue Gate. It is completely walled with its fortifications dating back to the 9th century. Fairs take place there where Berbers come to sell their products. It’s a great place to sit and watch time pass.
ZAOUIA OF MOULAY IDRISS II
The Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II is a temple built in 1440 where the remains of Moulay Idriss II are located. Moulay Idriss II is today the patron saint of Fez, and locals believe that visiting the place brings protection and health. So much so that his tomb has a connection to the street, where any passerby in a hurry can touch it without needing to enter.
ZAOUIA SID AHMED TIJANI
Zaouia Sid Ahmed Tijani is the temple where the remains of Ahmed Tijani, founder of one of the orders of Islam, are located. The temple has marvelous architecture and attracts faithful from countries like Senegal and Nigeria, where the branch of Islam founded by him spread.
SERAFFINE SQUARE
Seraffine Square is a famous square where blacksmiths openly manufacture pots and other copper products. It is incredible to see the artisans shaping each piece with traditional instruments. Take some time to stop by there.
Are you eager to visit Fez?
Travel safely and privately! Contact us; we will be happy to answer your questions.