Bab Boujloud
Although it was built relatively recently in 1913, this nevertheless does not detract from the fact that it is an architectural wonder. It is the main entrance to the medina.
North Borj
Built more recently than the southern one, it now houses a weapons museum, which brings together collections of bladed weapons and firearms dating from to prehistory to today. This latter also provides a clear view over the old city.
South Borj
This is a fortress built during the reign of the Saadian Sultan, Ahmed El Mansour Dehbi (1578-1609). It now houses a museum of small weapons. The borj provides a wonderful panoramic view over Fez el Bali.
Dar Batha
This is an old house built between 1894-1909 by the Sultan, Moulay El Hassan, now converted into a museum of arts and traditions of Fez and the region.
Dar El Magana
This is an hydraulic rolling ball clock dating from 1357, set on the Talaa Sghira, in a setting of sculpted wood and plaster.
Debbaghine
Not far from Place Seffarine, the characteristic odour guides you to the tanners; a quarter where craftsmen carry out their special kind of work.
Souk El Attarine
This is the spice souk. It is unquestionably the most colourful market in Fez.
Souk El Henna
This is a small secluded square planted with trees where you can find all sorts of natural beauty products, including henna.
Fes El Jedid
A palace complex found in the north of the city and built by the Merinids in the Thirteenth Century to serve as a residence for the princes of that dynasty. Fez El Jedid comprises the royal palace which stretches over seventy hectares.
El Karaouiyine (Quarouiyne) Mosque
Founded in 862 by the Muslim woman, Fatima El Fihris, who came from Quairouan. This is the oldest university in the Arab and Islamic spheres and indeed in the world (before Oxford and the Sorbonne). Fourteen gates provide access into the university, which has a precious library enriched.
Medersa Attarine
This is a Koranic school built in 1923 by the Merinid Sultan, Abou Said, the decoration of which is exquisite.
Medersa Bou Inania
This is an Islamic university built between 1350 and 1357 by the Merinid Sultan, Abou Inane, the architecture of which is a masterpiece of Moorish art.
Medina Fez El Bali
This is one of the largest medinas in Morocco and the most fascinating. It was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1976. Its maze of alleyways leads to a multitude of historical marvels and souks (markets).
Place & fountain Nejjarine
This small square takes its name from the cabinet-makers who occupy the shops in the quarter. A pretty fountain made entirely of decorated zeliges (mosaic) and a pediment in sculpted wood embellishes the square. There is an old Foundouk (guest house) which today has been converted into a museum, where some marvels of art trace the history of wood in Morocco.
Square Seffarine
This is a pretty, shaded square where the sounds of copper being fashioned by the workers ring out.
FAQ
Can you tell me about the North Borj and its current use?
The North Borj, built more recently than the South Borj, currently houses a weapons museum. This museum showcases a collection of bladed weapons and firearms dating from prehistory to the present. It also provides a clear view over the old city of Fez.
What is the history and current function of the South Borj in Fez?
The South Borj is a fortress built during the reign of the Saadian Sultan, Ahmed El Mansour Dehbi (1578-1609). Today, it houses a museum of small weapons and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over Fez el Bali.
What does Dar Batha represent in Fez?
Dar Batha is an old house built between 1894-1909 by Sultan Moulay El Hassan. It has been converted into a museum that displays the arts and traditions of Fez and the surrounding region.
What is the historical importance of the El Karaouiyine (Quarouiyne) Mosque in Fez?
The El Karaouiyine (Quarouiyne) Mosque, founded in 862 by the Muslim woman, Fatima El Fihris, from Quairouan, is the oldest university in the Arab and Islamic world, and indeed globally, predating Oxford and the Sorbonne. The university is accessible through fourteen gates and houses a precious library enriched with numerous volumes.
What historic monuments are worth visiting in Fez?
Some of Fez's most emblematic sites include:
- Al Quaraouiyine mosque
- Bou Inania medersa
- Al-Attarine medersa
- Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
- Chouara tannery
- Nejjarine fondouk, home to the wood museum
- Historic ramparts and gates, such as Bab Boujloud
What is the Chouara tannery?
Dating back to the 11th century, the Chouara tannery is one of the oldest and largest traditional tanneries in Fes. Here, visitors can observe the ancestral process of hide treatment, using natural techniques based on lime, vegetable pigments and other ingredients.
Can I visit the Royal Palace of Fez?
The Royal Palace of Fez, located in Fez el-Jdid, is not open to the public. However, its imposing gilded gates and majestic architecture are well worth a visit to admire the exterior and take photos.
What is the Bou Inania medersa?
The Bou Inania medersa, built in 1356 by Sultan Abou Inan, is a remarkable example of Merinid architecture. It is distinguished by its exceptional architectural and decorative refinement.
What is the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II?
The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is a zawiya located in the heart of the Fes el-Bali district. It is dedicated to the Idrisid emir Idris II and houses his tomb. It is one of the city's most famous and most visited monuments.
What types of crafts can you discover in Fez?
Fes is renowned for its traditional crafts, including pottery, leather goods, carpets, jewelry and embroidered textiles. The souks of the medina offer a multitude of workshops where craftsmen perpetuate ancestral skills.
Does the city of Fes organize cultural festivals?
Yes, Fes hosts several cultural festivals, including the Festival of Sacred Music of the World, held every year in May. This event brings together artists from all over the world to celebrate the diversity of spiritual musical traditions.
Follow Us