Fes is the oldest city in Morocco and my first experience in the country. Founded in 789 CE, Fes was created during the Idrisid dynasty that ruled over most of Morocco and parts of Algeria from 788 to 974. The Idrisid are considered the founders of the first Moroccan Muslim state, playing an important role in the Islamization and Arabization of the region. Fes would be the first capital of the Idrisid dynasty. Read on to learn more about the 8 places to visit in Fes!
As an important note for Fes, the Old City is a highly complicated labyrinth of narrow and winding pathways. I would highly recommend finding a local guide to take you around (โฌ25 for a 4 hour tour). They make their money off commission and will continue to take you around the Medina until you purchase something, but at least they know their way around and will keep the pickpockets at bay. If you opt to stroll the Medina by yourself, keep your valuables secured and adhere to safe travel practices.
As always, scroll to the bottom of the page for quick links to every site and a Google Map!
1. Blue Gate
The Bab Boujloud or Blue Gate, was originally built in the 12th century to signify the beginning of the souq (ุณูู), or market, of Fes. The modern gate that you see below was built under the French administration in 1913. The design is a Moorish triple-arched gate with titles featuring Moroccan motifs. The gate is blue as you enter Fes and green when you leave. This is because the blue color signifies the city of Fes, while green is the color of Islam. If you are staying in the new city of Fes, your first encounter with the Old Medina will probably be through these gates!
2. Bou Inania Madrasa
The Bou Inania Madrasa is a madrasa (ุงูู ุฏุฑุณุฉ) or educational instutiton. What makes the Bou Inania Madrasa significant is that it is the only functioning madrasa in Morocco that is also a congregational mosque. That being the case, non-Muslims are not allowed into the Madrasa. You can however marvel at the historic Moroccan architecture and be part of the ancient history of this city. Built in the 14th century and dedicated to Marinid sultan Faris ibn Ali Abu Inan al-Mutawakkil, the madrasa trained Islamic scholars in Islamic law and jurisprudence.
Entrance to Bou Inania Madrasa
3. Fes el Bali
The Old Medina of Fes is comprised of two components, Fes el Bali and Fes Jdid (New Fes). However, Fes el Bali is the oldest part of the city. Fes el Bali was built between 789 and 808 CE on the east bank of the Fes river during the Idrisid dynasty. Above is another gate to enter the old city, in addition to the Blue Gate. To the left is a typical street in the old medina, which are lined with shops and merchants. Below are several shops you may encounter in Fes, including metalwork, pottery and leather. Read on to learn about the tanneries of Fes!
4. Fes Tanneries
One of the major industries of Fes is leather-working. Fes is known for producing quality leather, and nestled in the Old City is the Chouara Tannery. Pictured below is the Chouara Tannery, one of the three main tanneries in Fes. The Chouara Tannery still employs the same methods of softening and drying the hides that existed thousands of years ago. Today, the Chouara Tannery produces leather items that are shipped around the world. Fun fact for all you gamers out there, thereโs a section of the new Warzone 2 map that has what looks like these very same tanneries!
Tanneries de Fes
5. Al Attarine Madrasa
The al-Attarine Madrasa is near the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in the Souq al-Attarine. The madrasa took its name from the souq, which is known for its spices and perfume. Built in 1323, itโs considered one of the highest achievements of the Marinid architectural dynasty. Unlike the Bou Inania Madrasa, the al-Attarine Madrasa is open to visits by the public (โฌ5/person). The madrasa is broken up into many levels and sections. Each level has a place for male and female students and is broken down further by students or teachers.
6. The Royal Palace in Fes
Outside the Old City of Fes lies the Royal Palace of Fes. You read that right, the Royal Palace of Fes is outside the old city! This is because the Palaceโs original infrastructure dates back to the founding of Fes el-Jdid or New Fes in 1276 C.E. Today, most of the Palace is from the 17th-20th centuries, during the Alaouite era.
7. Mellah
The Mellah was home to the main Jewish population of Fes dating back to the 8th century. The center of Jewish intellectual and cultural renaissance of Morocco and al-Andalus (southern Spain) throughout the 10th and 11th century, today the Mellah is only a symbol of the height of Jewish presence in Fes. Located right next to the Royal Palace of Fes, the Mellah is easy to stroll through on your way to or from the new city.
A Row of Homes in the Mellah
8. Borj Nord
The last place on this list will give you the perfect opportunity to take in all of Fes from a distance. Borj Nord was a fort built by the Saadi Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour in 1582. The fort was not built to protect the city, but rather to make it easier for al-Mansourโs forces to subdue any resistance by the residents of Fes against his rule in Marrakech. Today, the fort is open to the public as a Museum of Arms and provides a fantastic view of Fes. It is quite a bit outside of the city so you will need to call a taxi to get up there.
Panoramic View of Fes
List of 8 Places to Visit in Fes: