Fes

Fez or Fes is famous for its ancient walled city in Morocco, which many compare with that of Jerusalem. It is the first of the imperial cities of the country, as it dates back to the eighth century. Along with […]

Fez or Fes is famous for its ancient walled city in Morocco, which many compare with that of Jerusalem. It is the first of the imperial cities of the country, as it dates back to the eighth century.

Along with having one of the oldest colleges in the world, it also helped to establish the Islam cult in this nation. All these firsts make Fez, as it is also known, a particularly attractive city with a lively and influential culture. In fact, it is particularly known as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, a centre of art and science.

Fez is considered one of the most interesting and attractive destinations in Morocco travel, perhaps somewhat overshadowed by the country’s large cities such as Rabat, Meknes, Marrakech and Casablanca.

Although the city of Fes or Fez has been able to adapt to modern life, it also preserves its traditions and one of the most authentic lifestyles of Morocco, something that is breathed in each of its streets of its Medina.

We can stroll through its alleys and get lost in the incredible architectural wonders integrated into the daily life of the city. Features are its adobe and brick walls, patios of different height, pillars covered with tiles, etc.

Still, although we might call the Medina the ‘human wonder’ of Fez, it is not the only one. A curious attraction of the city is its blue color, a color in cobalt tones that is emblematic of the ceramics of this Moroccan city, which produces or has produced some of the most beautiful ceramic works in the country.

Fez is actually the union of three cities that lie on the banks of the Fez and Zitu rivers.

Fes el Bali

A 9th century Moorish city that is a large Medina composed of more than 9,000 streets and has the luxury of being the best preserved in the Arab world and, Why not, it’s Morocco’s biggest living monument?

The extensive and labyrinthine Medina of Fes el-Bali, by the way, is also the world’s largest urban area without car traffic. Taking the goods is done on donkeys, carriages and motorcycles. They are alleys where time seems to be lost…

The Fez el Bali Medina is a huge maze of winding, narrow lanes that go nowhere. Due to its complexity, it is really difficult to guide, even for the most experienced in Morocco. For the visit of the Medina of Fez you should consider hiring an official guide to show you and explain all its secrets.

Fez El Jadid (New Fes)

Created in the 13th century by the Mariners, it quickly became the seat of royal power. This part of the city hides a dense urban plot where the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the Royal Palace are located, as well as lively souks and craft shops.

The highlight here is to visit the Royal Palace (outside only, as it is forbidden to enter) and walk the alleys of the Jewish quarter, visit its synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. The Jewish quarter is worth visiting because it has a different architectural style to the rest of the city.

La Ville Nouvelle

The New Town ( la Ville-Nouvelle) of Fez was founded by the French in 1921 1950. This part of the city maintains the European architectural style and is the opposite pole of the medina. It offers administrative services and a western style hotel.

The Bank of Morocco and Florence Plaza are also located here. The wide avenues are full of modern houses and the traffic is chaotic and intense. Of the places worth visiting in Fez, there are very few. But if you are interested in staying in a western style Riad (hotel), this is the place for you. As a new part of the city, we can stroll and see its bars, cafes and modern terraces, and take advantage to have a good mint tea.

Things to do in Fes

The Medina of Fez el-Bali (or ancient Fez), as we have said before, is one of the largest medieval sites in the world, a magical place full of life. Among the monuments to see in Fez, the Karaouine and Andalusian mosques, built, according to legend, by two heirs of a kairuani exiled in the 9th century, occupy a very prominent place. The doors and walls surrounding them enhance its magnificence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unlike many fortified cities of its time, Fez did not alter its original borders. The neighbors of Fass expand towards the southwest and the hillside, forming an arc that extends from north to south of the new urban area. The best way to discover the Medina of Fez is to hire a guide who will show you its secrets and wonders. A full day guided tour costs around 400 Dirhams

Medersa Sahrij Bou Inania Fez

Other interesting buildings to visit and see in Fez are the numerous medersas (Koranic schools), such as Chahrij Bouinania. With its wall clock with rails, 13-56, was built in the 1300 and has beautiful examples of merini plasterwork and wood from three different dynasties, between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is also full of examples of merino craftsmanship and offers fantastic views of the old town from its rooftop.

Where to buy in Fes

As we’ve already established, Fez is widely regarded as the center of Moroccan craftsmanship. Also, all the production processes can be seen at the many guilds, souks, and cooperatives before or during the purchase. You will find good leather, copper and brass items, although you will also find good prices on drums and other musical instruments. It is most famous in the country and in Fes exactly in glazed ceramics, the best in Morocco, as well as mosaic tiles.

Price examples

Leather bag: 300 – 500 dhs, depending on the quality

Drums: between 40 – 180 dhs, depending on size and quality

Tajine plate: 10 – 20 for a matching Tajine plate, plus an additional plus if varnished or decorated

If you are interested in cobalt blue ceramics, it is possible to go to the ceramic workshops where they do. It is a good experience to see how they model the clay in a Tajin in 45 seconds. From Bab el-Ftouh, in a taxi, it will cost you 10 dh. Request a ride to the “Fez ceramic studios” from the driver.

Mohammed V Avenue and Fez Jdid Street: branded clothing shops and other shops

Street of the Merriness: located in the Jewish Quarter (Mehllah), where goldsmiths’ shops and flea markets abound

 

 

The souks of Fez

• Attarin souk: recommended to buy Moroccan spices.
• La Kisaria has a wide variety of locally made goods from Fez.
• Souk of the Potters: for the purchase of Moroccan ceramics.
• Hay souk: all kinds of dyes: for hair, nails, … etc.
• La Juita: Market of eggs, salt and fish.
• Tanners’ souk: tanned skins.
• Dry-cleaning souk: wool and cottons.
• Souk of Alhena: carpentry and wooden shops.

Where to eat in Fez

Please note that we are also in the gastronomic capital of the country. You can taste delicious typical Moroccan cuisine in restaurants that occupy ancient palaces of the medina, some of them with traditional live shows.

Please check this post Best Places to Eat in Fez

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