Fes

Things to do in Fes

 

Fes is a city in northern Morocco that serves as the country’s cultural center and is home to North Africa’s oldest and largest medina, walled with medieval Marinid architecture and bustling souks. The city was Morocco’s capital and is now widely regarded as the country’s cultural epicenter, and also known for its religious schools such as Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both built in the 14th century. Fes is a city where you may travel back in time by exploring the fascinatingly chaotic medina and discovering spice towers, traditional handicrafts, hammams, and tanneries.

Fes is well-known as one of the best destinations that draw a large number of people from all over the globe due to its lovely weather and historical features. The city is easily accessible by bus or train from several places, and most flights to Fez are reasonably priced.

Fes8-Day tour from Fes

 

1 – Palace Gates

A well-known gorgeous brass doors with matching intricately patterned knockers, also known as a great place for photos.

2 – Mellah (Jewish quarter)

It is thought to originate from the mid-15th century and is located in Fes el-Jdid, the area of Fez that encompasses the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen). Despite the fact that the district no longer has a substantial Jewish population, it nonetheless has a number of monuments and landmarks from the city’s Jewish history.

3 – Fes el Djedid

The Marinid sultan Abu Yusuf Ya’qub founded Fes el-Jdid in 1276. It included a Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen), military barracks, and residential neighborhoods, and was to serve as Morocco’s new royal castle and center of administration under Marinid authority. The Kasbah Bou Jeloud, on the western side of the old city, has previously served as the principal center of power and authority in Fes (at the location of the still extant Bou Jeloud Mosque, near Bab Bou Jeloud gate).

4 – Merenid Tombs

Merenid Tombs are a series of ruined colossal tombs on a hill above and north of Fes al-Bali, the old city of Fez, Morocco. Originally, they were a royal necropolis for the Marinid dynasty, who controlled Morocco from the 13th to the 15th century.

5 – Pottery Quarter

Fes produces the most valuable pottery in Morocco. While earthenware is the most popular form of clay, Fassi pottery is made from fine, light-colored stoneware clay. In Ain Nokbi, only the most traditional methods are employed to make pottery. Fassi pottery is formed by hand, the pottery wheel is turned by foot for complete control, and the shape is cut from the wheel using a fine thread or piece of wire. After the proper shape has been achieved, it is dried in the sun.

6 – Leather Tanneries

The Chouara Tannery is one of three tanneries in the Moroccan city of Fez. It is one of the city’s largest and oldest tanneries. It’s in the Fes el Bali neighborhood, the city’s oldest medina section, near the Saffarin Madrasa on the Oued Fes.

7 – Bou Inania medresa

The madrasa is actually a collection of buildings that work together to provide the services of a madrasa and a mosque. The main structure is shaped like an irregular rectangle with dimensions of 34.65 by 38.95 meters. It is situated between Tala’a Kebira and Tala’a Seghira, two of Fes el-most Bali’s important streets, and is aligned with what was then the qibla (prayer direction) to the southeast.

8 – Al Attarine Medresa

In 1323-5, the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said founded the school.
The madrasa draws its name from the spice and perfume market, Souk al-Attarine.
Because of its rich and harmonious decoration and efficient use of limited space, it is considered one of the highest triumphs of Marinid architecture.

9 – Bab Boujeloud

The Bab Abi al-Jounoud, also known as Bab Bou Jeloud, is an elegant city gate in Fes el Bali, Fez’s old city.
The current gate, which serves as the magnificent entry to the ancient city, was built by the French colonial authorities in 1913.

10 – Day trip to Meknes

While visiting Fes, you may also take a day excursion to Meknes and Volubilis, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Meknes’ historic medina and Roman ruins.

11 – Day trip to Chefchaouen

After seeing Fes, you might take a day trip to Chefchaouen, popularly known as Morocco’s blue city.
You’ll be able to meander around the small lanes of this blue pearl while enjoying the rif Mountain’s landscapes.

12 – Sahara desert tour

From Fes, you may take a three-day journey to the Sahara desert, traveling over the central Atlas Mountains and admiring the stunning scenery. This is a fantastic opportunity to ride a camel and spend the night in the Sahara desert.