A must see city of Fes Morocco
Fes the prestigious and the old city of Morocco
If there is one city that has a lot to do with Morocco, it is Fez. The former capital, home to the oldest university in the world, has long stood out as a center of knowledge and expertise. A reputation it has maintained to this day. Although Rabat is now the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, Fes remains its intellectual and cultural capital. Less touristy than Marrakech, but it deserves to be the first tourism destination in Morocco. It’s known as the prestigious city.
It was Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; the medina has remained virtually intact since it was built at the end of the 8th century. Visiting Fes does not mean discovering the entire medina. But it almost does.
The arts and crafts, the treasure of Fes.
It is impossible to return from Fes without having brought back a piece of local handicraft: Leather, wood, jewelry, tapestries…. it seems that all the ancient crafts have been preserved here. And even encouraged. Up to 25 crafts are taught at the craft training and qualification center! If you have been there, you can observe the apprentices and their teachers: From blacksmithing to woodcarving to spectacular mosaic work, this center is both a means of preservation and professional integration.
Fez and its medina, the most beautiful in Morocco.
This city is undoubtedly the most historical of the Kingdom. Along with Damascus, Baghdad, Cordoba and Istanbul, it was one of the most important cities of the Arab-Muslim civilization. Naturally, Fes is full of attractions that can only please lovers of cultural discovery.
The traces of this rich past are still very present: a well-preserved and authentic medina, numerous religious monuments, a city still very much rooted in traditions, … Numerous buildings in the medina testify to the past splendor of the city.
Camel trekking is one of our activities
The Medina of Fes, a look on its streets
Like any self-respecting place, you enter the medina, the old city, through a gate, Bab Rcif. And like all doors in a popular place, it is crowded! There is a bustle of activity. Merchants and tourists pass each other, under the watchful eye of a policeman or two…. and for good reason: kids on bikes are pickpockets! You can hardly blame them, because they are so skilled (a single touch with them and HOP, your crook is far away on his bike). A wise man is worth two!
But we leave the oppressive heat of the square for refuge in the soothing shade of the medina. As soon as you enter, you feel transported far, far away… by the narrow streets that sometimes barely leave room for a normal person. A veritable maze of streets opens up before you, filled with the activities of artisans, merchants, etc. Here the houses are narrow and high and the squares are small and charming. To transport these goods, there is no place for a vehicle, only donkeys to do the job.
The traces of this rich past are still very present: a well-preserved and authentic medina, numerous religious monuments, a city still very much rooted in traditions, … Numerous buildings in the medina testify to the past splendor of the city.
Walking through the streets, the professions line up: blacksmiths, shopkeepers, carpenters…. but the most important one is the leather worker. A visit to a leather workshop is a must. Everything is still done the old way, with open holes filled with water and pigeon droppings to treat the hides. Even seen from a terrace, the smell is overwhelming, but you will have more respect for everything behind your new bag or purse when you think about your purchase.
As you continue on your way, you will encounter numerous Medersas, theological or other schools, some of which you can visit. However, the most important educational institution in the medina is Al-Quaraouiyine University, the oldest in the world, founded by a woman in the 9th century. It is still in operation and focuses on Islamic law, Arabic studies and theology.
Recommendations to visit in Fes, Morocco
- Madrasa Attarine
- Madrasa Bou Inania
- Qaraouiyine quarter (main mosque)
- Chouara Tannery: the largest tannery in Fes, where you can see the different steps from raw hide to a usable piece of leather.
- Marinid tombs for an overview of the medina (round trip by cab).
- Nejjarine Museum (have tea on the roof of the museum!).
- Seffarine square
- Bab Boujloud neighborhood, very dynamic, one of the main entrances to the medina.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss (founder of the city) and the surrounding streets offer many religious products and derivatives: incense, musk, … We felt an impressive religious fervor that we did not find anywhere else in the city!
- Getting lost in the narrow streets of the medina of Fez in Morocco
