Explore the vast medina The city of Fes is renowned for its exceptional medina. It is indeed the oldest and largest in Morocco, as well as in the world. Its initial foundation dates back to 789 under Idris I, with a significant development during the reign of his son, Idris II, the patron saint of the city. Over the centuries, alleys, mosques, fountains, palaces, and more were built, giving it the configuration of the 12th century, which it has preserved until today. As a result, Fes' medina is home to numerous ancient skills passed down through generations by master craftsmen, solely through apprenticeship. Dozens of ancestral trades that only a handful of these "maâlems" still keep alive, although some are starting to disappear. If you are fortunate, you can admire these masters, or one of their pupils, at work in their modest workshops. Fes el Bali Medina also houses major historical sites. However, it is a veritable labyrinth built on hills, literally containing thousands of narrow streets, making it easy to get lost. The simplest way to approach it is through its two main arteries - Talaa Kbira and Talaa Sghira - and explore its adjacent small streets with a map or guide. One of the peculiarities of this medina, which is over 12 centuries old, is its topography. It is winding, full of dead-end streets, but above all, it is steep! Climb to the ruins of the Merinid Tombs Only ruins of the Merinid tombs remain, still dominating the hill of Al Qolla. This place was chosen in the 14th century to establish a royal necropolis. It is an interesting site that has a poetic feel. From here, you can embrace the entire medina with just one glance, and if the weather allows it, you might even have a panorama of the mountains. You can hike up there for those who enjoy walking. For others, a taxi can drop you off. Treat yourself to a trip to Meknes Meknes is only about sixty kilometers away from Fes, a journey that takes less than an hour. Therefore, it is easy to visit for a day and discover this other imperial city. Meknes became the capital of Morocco, just like Fes before it, in the 18th century, during the reign of Sultan alaouite Moulay Ismail. Its medina is surrounded by about forty kilometers of ramparts, pierced with nine majestic gates, including the magnificent Bab Mansour or Bab el Khemiss. Inside, monuments that bear witness to its glorious past await visitors: Dar Jamaï, an Andalusian-style palace turned into a museum dedicated to craftsmanship, the El Mansour Palace, the Bou Inania Madrasa, a Quranic school dating back to the 14th century, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Kara Prison... It also attracts visitors with its proximity to the ruins of the ancient city of Volubilis, located about thirty kilometers away from the city. Stroll in Fes' oldest garden, Jnane Sbil Morocco is undoubtedly a country of gardens and parks. Jnane Sbil, created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, is the oldest public garden in Fes. About a dozen years ago, this beautiful 7-hectare space regained its splendor thanks to significant rehabilitation works funded by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. Visitors can wander through its alleys, under the shade of numerous century-old trees, and enjoy the 3,000 plant species, the lake, and the fountains. A true haven of peace, also known as the Garden of the Alaouites. Listen to the nightly call to prayer Hearing the muezzin's call to prayer from the tower of a mosque during the day is one thing. Listening to it at night in Fes, under the starry or veiled sky, in the calm of a sleeping city, is a completely different experience. This chant seems to float above the medina, the entire city, and you. The status of Fes as a spiritual capital then takes on its full meaning.

Traditional Tanneries of Chaoura

For seven centuries, the traditional tanneries of Fes, like the one in Chaoura, have presented the same image of vats, either made of bricks or whitewashed earth, filled with liquids of various colors, terraces, and brown pits. Men work there to transform skins as in the past, and over time, very little has changed in the process. It still takes twenty-five days, natural and non-polluting washing products, and the pigments used to prepare the colors are still derived from mineral stones, plants, or flowers. These men walk barefoot through the basins, in a kind of joyful confusion to the untrained eye. In reality, each plays the role assigned to him. Washing, rinsing, dyeing... With his pants rolled up, the man tramples the basin dedicated to his step, in a predetermined order for centuries. To admire the tanneries of Fes without being bothered by the acrid smell of the pigeon droppings and lime mixture, it is better to rise above. And it is often the terraces of leather finished product vendors that offer the best vantage point. One definite advantage is that they will not hesitate to explain the process to you, indicating the successive vats through which the skins pass, before showing you the traditional products made from them: traditional Fes slippers, bags, Moroccan poufs, boxes, and other highly fashionable decorative elements.

The Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine

First and foremost, it is the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque that was established in 857 to quickly house the homonymous university. The university is considered the oldest in the world. It is still active today and remains a center for Islamic studies and research. Non-Muslims do not have access, but can nevertheless admire the inner courtyard from the outside, with its 270 columns and 24 surrounding doors. With the creation of this renowned university, numerous madrasas emerged in the medina of Fes.

The Attarine Madrasa

Facing the Quaraouiyine Mosque, do not miss the Attarine Madrasa, one of the most delicately decorated in the Muslim world. Built between 1323 and 1325 under the Merenid Sultan Abu Saïd, it is considered the most beautiful in Fes. It is a jewel of Arab-Muslim architecture and its adornments: cedar wood, zellige, gebs, marble... In the center of the inner courtyard stands a magnificent and imposing marble fountain. The prayer hall is adorned with a carved cedar dome and the mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of Mecca. The walls are covered with elegant zelliges inscribed with verses from the Quran, while floral motifs adorn their upper parts. The upper floors were reserved for small student rooms, which were still occupied at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Bou Inania Madrasa

Erected in the 14th century, between 1350 and 1355 by the Merinid Sultan Abu Inan, the Bou Inania Madrasa is the most important in Fes and one of the most famous in Morocco, if not the most famous. Located near Bab Boujloud, it is still active. Behind its heavy brass doors lies a beautiful example of Merinid architecture elegance, with its patio, walls adorned with zelliges and gebs, and ceilings of carved cedar. The main courtyard opens onto two smaller ones on either side, dedicated to classes. At the back of this courtyard is the prayer hall with the mihrab, marked by four columns of onyx. You can observe two particularities: a minaret with green tiles and a clock. In addition to its role in teaching the Quran and housing students, the Bou Inania Madrasa was endowed with a mosque, which is not the case for many Quranic schools. Its immense hydraulic clock, built in 1357 and called Dar el Magana, has retained its mystery. No one has yet managed to make its mechanism work again...

The Nejjarine Quarter and Its Museum

The Nejjarine quarter contains the square, the fountain, and the funduq, which has become a museum, all bearing the same name. It is the sector of the carpenters (nejjariine in Arabic). Here, you can discover the meticulous craftsmanship of these artisans. The fountain, adorned with zellige, dates back to the 17th century. The funduq, a place for wood commerce, built in 1711, remained active until the early 20th century. Restored, it has been rehabilitated into the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. It showcases objects of daily life, woodworking tools, religious objects, musical instruments... Its rooftop offers a view of the city and beyond.

The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss

This is the most famous and visited monument in the city, alongside the Qaraouiyine. And for good reason. This mausoleum, commonly called zaouïa, is dedicated to Moulay Idriss II, the true founder of the city of Fes over 1,200 years ago. He is the most venerated saint in the country. It was in the early 14th century that the region became a zaouïa following the discovery of the tombs of Moulay Idriss II and his father. A mausoleum was dedicated to him, which was transformed several times over the centuries until Moulay Ismail finally modified it in the 18th century, giving it the Alawi style it still has today. As the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss is a sacred pilgrimage site, it is not accessible to non-Muslims. However, from the women's gate, you can catch a glimpse of the mosque courtyard and the room that houses the tomb of the patron saint and founder of Fes.

Dar Batha Museum

This former audience palace, also a summer residence, was built at the end of the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I. It was later embellished by his successor, Moulay Abdelaziz. This Hispano-Moorish building became a museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in 1915, and in 1924, it was classified as a national heritage monument. It houses a collection of ceramics dating back to the 14th century, decorated with the famous blue of Fes, obtained from cobalt. Also exhibited are Fassi embroideries, Berber carpets, and other artisanal objects dating back to antiquity. End your visit with a stroll in the Andalusian garden with its oaks and orange trees.

The Ibn Danan Synagogue

This synagogue was erected in the 17th century by a wealthy Moroccan merchant and still bears witness today to the importance of Moroccan-Jewish heritage. This active place of worship was renovated in 1999 and has four naves. Its columns, moldings, wrought-iron awnings, and furniture are to be admired, as well as the exceptional 17th-century Torah it preserves.

To experience Fes and its historical and spiritual essence, it is best to stay as close as possible to its centuries-old medina. A location that the Palais Medina Fes offers. Located at the heart of a five-hectare garden, just a stone's throw away from the medina, this hotel immerses you in the atmosphere of grand Arabo-Moorish palaces. Its 146 rooms with views of the gardens, the city, and the surrounding hills celebrate Fes. It offers four restaurants and a bar, a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, and versatile meeting rooms.

The Fassi gastronomy is particularly renowned. The city also boasts numerous international restaurants and bars. At the Palais Medina Fes hotel, we offer five venues, including a restaurant that celebrates Fassi cuisine, of course. The Pool, located by the large pool, offers light and flavorful à la carte lunches, delightful sweets, and a rich variety of cocktails. L'Arabesque immerses you in the heart of Fassi culinary tradition, with typically Moroccan dishes infused with enchanting flavors. The Dragon serves specialties from various Asian countries to accompany your festive evenings. Share these moments with your loved ones over a drink in a friendly lounge ambiance. L'Impérial welcomes you for lunch and dinner, showcasing fusion cuisine with a wide array of international dishes presented in a buffet style. Le Fondouk invites you for social gatherings in the cozy setting of our lounge-bar and its intimate atmosphere. Enjoy our original cocktails and your favorite drinks while listening to our best musical selections.

A minimum of three days seems reasonable to explore the spiritual capital of Morocco. However, plan an extra day to visit nearby Meknes. It would be a shame to miss out on this beautiful imperial city.

Fes is best explored on foot as the majority of its historical sites are concentrated within the medina. However, you can also rent a car or take a taxi to get closer to strategic points.