Fes (or Fez) is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and is widely considered the country's spiritual and cultural heart. It is famous for the Medina of Fez (Fes el Bali), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones.
Fes was founded in the 8th century by Idriss I and was the capital of the first Moroccan state. It reached its golden age under the Marinids in the 13th–14th centuries, becoming a major center of learning and commerce. The city is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 AD, which is considered the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world. Its history is one of continuous cultural and intellectual life, making it a living museum of Moroccan history.
Fes is one of Morocco's largest cities, with a population of approximately 1.15 million (2014 census). The population is concentrated in the old city (Fes el Bali) and the new city (Fes el-Jdid and Ville Nouvelle).
Fes is a city of two distinct parts: the ancient, walled medina and the modern, French-built new town. The most significant site is the Medina of Fez (Fes el Bali), the ancient walled city, a UNESCO site, famous for its maze-like alleys, traditional souks, and historic monuments, and notably a car-free area. Within the medina is the Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest tannery in Fes, famous for its colorful dye pits where leather is treated using traditional, centuries-old methods. The Bou Inania Madrasa is a stunning example of Marinid architecture, and one of the few religious sites in Fes that non-Muslims can enter. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University is the spiritual heart of the city and one of the oldest universities in the world, though non-Muslims can only view the interior from the doorways. The iconic, ornate main entrance to the Fes el Bali medina is the Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate), famous for its blue and green tilework. For day trips, Fes is a great base for visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
A visit to Fes is an intense cultural immersion experience focused on history, craftsmanship, and the bustling life of the medina. Given the complexity of the medina's alleys, a Guided Medina Tour is highly recommended to discover hidden gems and navigate the area effectively. Tourists can explore the souks for traditional Moroccan crafts, including leather goods, ceramics, and textiles, making Shopping and Craftsmanship a key activity. It is a city where haggling is expected. Visitors can also View the Tannery from a terrace overlooking the Chouara Tannery to observe the traditional leather-making process. Finally, the city offers a rich Culinary Experience, with a blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences.
The medina is notoriously difficult to navigate, so visitors should be prepared for the challenge or hire a local guide. Arabic and French are the main languages. Fes is considered the most authentic of Morocco's imperial cities, offering a deep dive into traditional Moroccan life. Haggling is a customary part of the shopping experience in the souks.
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3 Days 4 Nights
