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Fez, Imperial City

Fès is an unmissable “city-museum.” Milling with people and full of colour, it has stunning decoration, such as the medina of Fez el Bali, one of the largest cities in the world of the medieval type.

The town of Fez is divided into three parts : Fez el Jedid (semi-old Fez) and Fez el Bali (old Fez) which make up the medina, and “Fes la Jeune” (new town) ) built by the French at the time of the protectorate and where the administrative district is to be found.

In order to get an overall impression, the best thing to do is to go to the heights overlooking the city. For this, you will need to take the “Route de Tour de Fès”, which branches off from Avenue Hassan II (main street of the new city) and leads to El Kolla hill where the Merinid Necropolis is (Fourteenth Century).

Hotel Riad Layalina Fes, Pool & Parking, Car Parking Ain Azliten, 10 Derb El Miter, Fes 30000, Morocco
Hotel Riad Layalina Fes, Pool & Parking, Car Parking Ain Azliten, 10 Derb El Miter, Fes 30000, Morocco

The Medina is not only an historic centre for bazaars and tourists. It is also an important economic centre. Fez is one of the largest cities in the kingdom in economic terms, the second biggest industrial city and furthermore, the majority of its activities are concentrated into the medina.

These consist mainly of art industries. Some specialised areas of this arts and crafts industry that one can mention are woodwork with sculpture and painting on wood, wrought iron, engraved copper, gold and silver work, ceramics, silk weaving and embroidery.

All these crafts are practised in tiny workshops or shops. These craftsmen generally use old-fashioned equipment. Apropos of the ceramics’trade, one observes that in many enamel workshops they no longer take any care in production or the due attention to be paid to the firing process. On the one hand, the pilot workshop method at one time adopted by the administration, has enabled craftsmen to preserve their expertise and improve production, and on the other, the scale of royal orders over the last few decades has led to prosperity in some sectors, particularly in the arts and crafts associated with architectural decoration.

We are currently witnessing a monopoly of markets and distribution channels for the benefit of a minority. Many craftsmen are finding it harder to gain access to the market and acquire the material and financial opportunities to improve production. The question can be raised : how does one save this cultural heritage under these socio-economic dynamics ?

Fez should not become a sort of anachronistic out-of-context ecomuseum. In any case, it does not have this intention, which further complicates the act of conservation.

Imperial city of Fez

FAQ

To gain a comprehensive view of Fez, it's recommended to visit the heights overlooking the city. You can take the “Route de Tour de Fès”, branching off from Avenue Hassan II in the new city, which leads to El Kolla hill where the Merinid Necropolis from the Fourteenth Century is located.

The Medina in Fez is not just a historical center; it's also a crucial economic hub. Fez is one of the kingdom's largest cities in economic terms, being the second biggest industrial city. The majority of its activities, particularly in the arts and crafts industries, are concentrated within the medina.

Fez is renowned for its art industries. Some notable crafts include woodwork with sculpture and painting on wood, wrought iron, engraved copper, gold and silver work, ceramics, silk weaving, and embroidery. These crafts are practiced in small workshops or shops, often using traditional methods.

One major challenge in preserving Fez's cultural heritage is the socio-economic dynamics, including the monopolization of markets and distribution channels that benefit a minority. This situation makes it difficult for many craftsmen to access markets and acquire resources to improve production. Efforts such as the pilot workshop method have helped preserve expertise and improve production. The scale of royal orders has also brought prosperity to some sectors, especially in arts and crafts related to architectural decoration. However, there's a need for more inclusive strategies to ensure the preservation of this heritage without turning Fez into an anachronistic ecomuseum.

Fez has played a central role in Morocco's history as a political capital, religious center and intellectual hotbed. It is home to the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and considered one of the oldest in the world.

Yes, Riad Layalina Fes can organize guided tours of the medina of Fes, the largest and most fascinating medina in the world. The tour allows guests to discover the colorful souks, artisan workshops and historic monuments such as the Quaraouiyine Mosque, the world's oldest university.

Fes has three main parts:

- Fes el-Bali: the old town, founded in the 9th century, famous for its medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fes el-Jdid: established in 1276 by the Marinids, home to the royal palace and historic Jewish quarters.
- The New City: built during the French protectorate, it features modern architecture, wide avenues and contemporary infrastructures.

Fes el-Bali is the oldest district of Fes city, founded between 789 and 808 by the Idrissides. It is home to historic buildings such as the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and the Andalusian Mosque.

Fes el-Jdid, or “the new Fes”, was founded in 1276 by the Merinid sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub as the new capital of the sultanate. It includes the royal palace (Dar al-Makhzen) and has served as the residence of Morocco's rulers for many periods.

The New City was built during the French protectorate. It is inhabited by foreigners and well-to-do locals, with rents higher than in the medinas. Avenue Hassan II is the main street, lined with bars, terraces and restaurants.

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Hotel Riad Layalina Fez
Car Parking Aïn Azliten
10 bis Derb El Miter, 30000 Fez – Morocco
info@riad-layalina-fes.com
+33 6 83 10 22 51 / + 212 6 62 09 64 33

Voted best Riad in Fes, ranked 1st on TripAdvisor, the Riad Layalina hotel is located at the foot of the medina’s main street. The Riad is directly accessible by car, with private parking at its foot. Amenities include a swimming pool, 360° panoramic terrace and high-speed fiber WiFi.

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