Visit Fes: A Complete Travel Guide to Morocco’s Spiritual and Cultural Capital

Fes, also known as Fez, was founded in 789 by Idris I, the ruler of the Idrisid dynasty, and grew into a significant religious and educational center under his successors. It is Morocco’s oldest imperial city and served as the country’s capital during several historical periods, including under the rule of the Marinid dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The city is divided into three main sections: Fes el Bali (Old Fes), Fes Jdid (New Fes), and the Ville Nouvelle (modern city). Fes el Bali, the ancient walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Today, Fes remains a living monument to Morocco’s rich history, blending Islamic, Andalusian, and Berber influences.

Fes is filled with historical landmarks, spiritual sites, and cultural treasures. Here are the must-see attractions when visiting the city:

Al Quaraouiyine University: The World’s Oldest University

Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, Al Quaraouiyine University is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. This institution has played a vital role in the development of Islamic education, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall of the university, you can admire the architecture from the outside and explore its rich history in the surrounding areas.

Bou Inania Madrasa: A Marvel of Marinid Architecture

The Bou Inania Madrasa, founded in the mid-14th century by Sultan Abu Inan Faris, is one of Fes’s finest examples of Islamic architecture. This theological college is adorned with intricate wood carvings, zellige (mosaic tilework), and beautiful plasterwork. Its tranquil courtyard, with a marble fountain at the center, is a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors are allowed to explore the madrasa, making it one of the few religious sites in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims.

The Fes el Bali Medina: A Journey Back in Time

The medina of Fes el Bali is one of the most fascinating places in Morocco. Its maze-like streets are home to over 9,000 narrow alleyways, markets, mosques, and historic buildings. The medina is car-free, and its vibrant souks, traditional crafts, and historic sites make it feel like you’ve stepped back into medieval times. Whether you’re shopping for leather goods, spices, or traditional Moroccan ceramics, the medina is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.

Chouara Tannery: A Step into Ancient Leather Craft

One of the most famous sites in Fes is the Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest tannery in the city. Dating back to the 11th century, the tannery is where animal hides are turned into leather using traditional methods that have changed little over the centuries. The sight of large, circular stone vats filled with colorful dyes and leather in various stages of production is a must-see. Several nearby terraces offer a bird’s-eye view of the tannery, where you can watch artisans at work and browse leather goods for sale.

Dar Batha Museum: Exploring Moroccan Art and History

The Dar Batha Museum, housed in a former royal palace built in the 19th century, is dedicated to showcasing Moroccan arts and crafts. The museum’s collection includes intricate zellige tiles, traditional wood carvings, textiles, and ceramics, offering insight into Fes’s artistic heritage. The building itself is a beautiful example of Hispano-Moorish architecture, and its peaceful courtyard garden is a lovely place to relax.

Bab Bou Jeloud: The Grand Blue Gate

Bab Bou Jeloud, also known as the Blue Gate, is one of the main entrances to the Fes el Bali medina. Its stunning blue and green tilework makes it a striking architectural landmark. The gate is a popular meeting point and a great place to start exploring the medina, with many restaurants and cafés nearby where you can sample traditional Moroccan food.

Fes is not only known for its historical landmarks but also its rich cultural traditions. Here are some unique cultural experiences to immerse yourself in:

Traditional Moroccan Crafts

Fes is famous for its traditional craftsmanship, and the city’s artisans produce some of the finest handicrafts in Morocco. The medina is home to workshops where skilled craftsmen create intricate zellige tiles, delicate pottery, brass lanterns, and vibrant textiles. Many of these artisans have been practicing their craft for generations, and you can visit their workshops to see their techniques firsthand.

Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is one of Morocco’s most prestigious cultural events, attracting artists from all over the world. Held annually in June, the festival celebrates spiritual and sacred music, with performances taking place in historic venues throughout the city, including palaces, gardens, and the ancient medina. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Fes through music and dance.

Moroccan Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition

Fes is known for its exquisite culinary traditions, with dishes that reflect the city’s diverse cultural influences. You can sample traditional Fassi cuisine at local restaurants or through cooking classes, where you’ll learn how to prepare famous Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla (a savory pie with layers of pigeon, almonds, and spices). Be sure to try the local specialty, bissara, a hearty fava bean soup, often eaten for breakfast.

To make the most of your visit to Fes, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Getting Around: The Medina of Fes el Bali is car-free, and exploring it on foot is the best way to experience its charm. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets can be steep and uneven. Hiring a local guide is also recommended to help you navigate the labyrinthine medina and ensure you don’t miss any key sights.
• When to Visit: The best times to visit Fes are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, and winters are cold, particularly at night.
• Dress Code: Fes is a conservative city, so it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.
• Where to Stay: Fes is known for its traditional riads, and beautifully restored houses with central courtyards. Staying in a riad offers a unique and authentic Moroccan experience, and many are located within the medina, offering easy access to the city’s attractions.

While Fes itself offers a wealth of things to see and do, there are also several fantastic day trips you can take from the city.

Volubilis: The Ancient Roman Ruins

Just an hour’s drive from Fes, Volubilis is one of Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological sites. The ruins of this ancient city, which date back to the 3rd century BC, include beautiful mosaics, temples, and arches that offer a glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past.

Moulay Idriss: The Sacred Town

Moulay Idriss, located near Volubilis, is one of Morocco’s most sacred towns and an important pilgrimage site. It is named after Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the city of Fes and the Moroccan state. While non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the town’s mosque, the picturesque town itself, with its whitewashed houses and winding streets, is worth exploring.

Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco

Located about 3.5 hours from Fes, Chefchaouen is a beautiful mountain town famous for its blue-painted buildings and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Rif Mountains.