Fes is well known for its leather and its pottery. There are many shops throughout the souks in the…
Fes
Fes
An ancient, beautiful and culturally rich city, once the capital of Morocco, Fes sits in the middle of the Fes Valley in the north of Morocco.
Fes was founded by the Idrisid Dynasty between 789 and 808 A.D. In the 11th century, the Almoravids took the city and it continued under the dynasty of the Almohads during the 12th and 13th centuries. The Merinds then took the city from the 13th to the 15th centuries. During this time Fes Jadid (New Fes) was founded.
Today, these two parts represent the “old medina” and the “new medina” despite the fact that they are both quite old!
Morocco’s second largest city is home to the oldest university in the world (founded by a woman!) The University of Al Kuaraouiyini, established in 859 A.D is still operating to this very day, making it the perfect complement to Fes Medina (the old Fes). Fes was inscripted as a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site in 1981, and is one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian only zones.
Recommended Length of Stay: 2 days
The visitor senses something in Fes which he describes as a feeling of mystery; that is as good a way as any of describing the impression the city makes.Peter Bowles
Places to visit while here
Pottery
Fes is well known for its leather and its pottery. There are many shops throughout the souks in the medina. The one we choose to support as a company is interested in showing off this generational skill. Watching them craft the mosaics is fascinating and you quickly recognize that the skill wasn’t just picked up after a few months of training. It is also a shop that uses safe materials. There is no lead in their paint, and most of their tableware is dishwasher safe.
Synagogue Ibn Danan
The Synagogue Ibn Danan is one of the few remaining buildings in the Fesi Jewish Quarters. The synagogue was…
Synagogue Ibn Danan
Al Attarine Madrassa
Al Attarine Madrassa is a Koranic school built in 1323 by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said. The…
Al Attarine Madrassa
Sidi Ahmed Tijani Zaouia and Mosque
The Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani Mosque is a Kornic school and mosque. It was founded by the Sufi Cheikh…
Kuaraouiyini University and Mosque
Located in the middle of Fes Medina is the Kuaraouiyini Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Morocco, with its thousand-year-old…
Kuaraouiyini University and Mosque
Located in the middle of Fes Medina is the Kuaraouiyini Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Morocco, with its thousand-year-old minaret. It even has its own university, by the same name, which is the oldest continually functioning university in the world. The Quaraouiyine Mosque is considered the holiest mosque in Morocco, and governs the Islamic calendar across the country. It was founded in 857 by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy refugee from the city of Kairouan in Tunisia. She established the mosque to cater to the Tunisian community in Fes, but it soon became one of Morocco's recognizable icons, especially with its highly reputable university. The mosque is an exquisite representation of Islamic art, and it's also home to the Kuaraouiyini Library, one of the oldest in the world. It containins incredibly rare and precious manuscripts and documents. Non-Muslims are not permitted inside, however the door is often open and you can often take a peek.
Tanneries of Fes
One of the most iconic aspects of the souks is the tanneries, the ancient leather bazaars of Fes. Located…
Tanneries of Fes
One of the most iconic aspects of the souks is the tanneries, the ancient leather bazaars of Fes. Located in the east of the souk is the most prolific and largest tannerie, Chaouwara, which has been operational for almost one thousand years. There you can see all manner of dyes and hides from all animals. You'll watch how the world's finest leathers are created, dyed and shined till they make their way to the souks, and eventually homes around the world. Watch the workers dying hides in large clay tanks full of various colors. Next, they lay them out on the roofs and hillsides to dry. It is truly a mesmerizing experience, if a little touristy. We rationalize the experience because it is historical and a fully functioning tannery today.
Bab Boujeloud
One of the most majestic sights in the Fes Medina is the gate of Bab Boujeloud (The Blue Gate),…
Bab Boujeloud
One of the most majestic sights in the Fes Medina is the gate of Bab Boujeloud, the Blue Gate. It is the main entrance into the ancient city. Built in 1913, it still stands proudly showcasing the architectural prowess and artistic feats of the Moorish people. Once built to protect the city, the walls now simply stand as beautiful structures surrounding the medina.
Borj Nord Fortress
The fortress itself may not be much to look at, but the view is stunning. It’s hands down the…
Borj Nord Fortress
The fortress itself may not be much to look at, but the view is stunning. It’s hands down the best view in Fes. From the top of this hill, you’ll see both medinas (the "old" and the “new" - both being very old!) spread out like a tapestry before you. If you tour with Open Doors Morocco, this is where you’ll begin your tour. City guides do not have vehicles, but when they work in conjunction with us, you get to see much more because our hosts will get you and your city guide to hard to reach areas on the city's edge.
Merinid Tombs
Up on a hill behind the old medina of Fes lay the ancient Merinid royalty in their final resting…
Merinid Tombs
Up on a hill behind the old medina of Fes lay the ancient Merinid royalty in their final resting place. While much of the ruins hasn't withstood the test of time, what does remain holds ancient inscriptions that attract researchers every year. But what's even more compelling is the breathtaking view of the city you get from atop the hill. Truly a must see if you're in the neighborhood! And just around the corner you can find the Borj Nord fortress, built in 1582 by Sultan Ahmed el Mansour Eddahbi, to watch over his people.