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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.