25 Attractions in Fez You Must See

Fez is rightly called the heart of Morocco, its cultural and religious center. This ancient city has united three historical eras. Among the numerous attractions of Fez are the unique medina, the oldest university, a sacred Muslim mausoleum, as well as mosques and madrasas, palaces, museums, and many other amazing places.

Fez is filled with life, vibrant colors, sounds, the aromas of spices, and the fragrances of flowers - here you can feel the essence of the East. Fez resembles a fairy-tale house with many doors, behind each of which lies its own secret. To open all the doors, one needs quite a bit of time, which is why people return time and again.

The historical center of Fes-el-Bali is the main attraction of Fez. The old medina, which is over 1200 years old, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 as a monument of medieval Islamic architecture and construction. Here, all the houses, workshops, and shops have been preserved in their original form.

The medina of Fes-el-Bali is the most labyrinthine in the world. It contains over 6000 alleys, 14 gates, and 200 mosques. At first glance, the area seems chaotic. However, each of the 40 neighborhoods in the medina has a clear structure with its own mosque, water supply system, hammams, bakeries, etc. Movement through the narrow streets is allowed only on foot, by bicycle, or on donkeys.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06309389912015, -4.976989052614059

Markets have been an integral part of the urban life of Fez since ancient times. Here you can wander for hours through endless labyrinths of narrow streets that have turned into markets - a vibrant cocktail of colors, sounds, and smells.

In the trading rows, you can find everything your heart desires - handmade carpets and chandeliers, pottery, leather goods, local cosmetics, herbal remedies, iron, copper and silver products, textiles, woven accessories, traditional clothing, and many other items.

At the food stalls, Moroccan sweets and spices, dried fruits, flatbreads, fresh meats and fish, vegetables, and fruits are sold. The markets of Fez are an excellent place to choose original gifts and souvenirs (especially if you know how to bargain).

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06113024248219, -4.9778107512861

In 859 AD, a school/madrasa was founded at the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. It received its official status as a "university" in the 20th century. Al-Qarawiyyin University is listed in the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating higher educational institution in the world - since its founding, it has never closed and remains active to this day.

During the Middle Ages, the Arab world notably outpaced Europe in terms of education and culture. At that time, many sciences were taught at the university - chemistry, mathematics, philosophy. Today, the focus is primarily on Islamic theology and the Arabic language. The university preserves its glorious traditions, remaining a significant cultural and educational center of the Islamic world.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06494100807598, -4.973369382414121

The Dar el-Makhzen palace complex, covering about 100 hectares, is considered the largest in Morocco. It continues to serve its functions as one of the many residences of the current King of Morocco, Mohammed VI. The royal palace is closed to tourists - guards in colorful uniforms are stationed at the entrance.

Over its seven hundred years of history, Dar el-Makhzen has been expanded and adorned by the ruling sultans of Morocco. Today it appears in a restored form. The palace is surrounded by fortress walls with seven copper gates, adorned with intricate engraving - they symbolize the seven gates to the Muslim paradise.

The doorways are framed with blue-green mosaics. The interiors are equally luxurious, featuring carved cedar ceilings, expensive carpets, and fabrics. Around the palace, there is a beautiful garden with fountains.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.0532094770697, -4.993624498391066

The leather craft in Fez has been around for over 1000 years. Here, ancient recipes for tanning and dyeing leather are still applied and passed down through generations. The leather workshops of Fez, occupying entire quarters, are one of the main attractions of the city. There are shops near the workshops selling various leather products.

While visiting the tanners' quarter, you will see the entire process of leather processing, which includes several stages: cleaning hides from fur, treating with quicklime, soaking in bird droppings for softness, dyeing, washing, pressing, smoothing, and drying.

Since the production process is accompanied by, to put it mildly, a specific strong odor, tourists are advised to use mint leaves or observe the craftsmen's work from viewing platforms on the rooftops.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06493983064949, -4.973461120188191

The fortress walls of the Old City, with entrances-gates, began to be constructed as early as the 11th century. The vibrant Bab Boujeloud gates, built by the French in 1913 at the start of their colonial rule, are now considered the main city gates of Fez. The original modest western gates of the 12th century can still be seen to the left of the new gates.

The monumental crenelated Bab Boujeloud gates are built in the Moorish style. They feature three horseshoe arches, characteristic of Moroccan architecture - one large central arch and two smaller flanking arches. They are richly decorated with decorative tiles featuring traditional floral patterns. The gates look especially impressive at sunset when the sun gives them an unusually vibrant color.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.061726449434154, -4.984026004349564

Like most Moroccan cities, Fez is divided into two parts that represent historically established centers - the medina of Fes-el-Bali (the old medina) and the medina of Fes-el-Jdid (the new medina). The new medina was established in the 13th century - during the rule of the Merinid dynasty - as a fortress to protect against rebellious residents of the old medina.

The medina is surrounded by fortress walls with many beautiful gates. Behind the walls of Fes-el-Jdid, tourists will find many interesting attractions -

• the Royal Palace Dar el-Makhzen, built between the late 13th and 18th centuries;

• the former defensive fortress - Kasbah Cherarda from the 17th century;

• the Jewish quarter, Mellah, and Danan Synagogue from the 17th century;

• the Andalus Mosque and Madrasa from the 9th century.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.0563537369206, -4.990747648945952

The craft of local potters is one of the hallmarks of Fez. In numerous pottery cooperatives in the medina, you can see the entire process of creating pottery, including clay preparation, shaping, painting, glazing, and firing. Shops near the workshops sell the pottery you like.

The artisans create their amazing creations right before your eyes. Interested visitors are given the opportunity to knead the clay themselves. In addition to small souvenirs, mosaic panels are crafted in the pottery workshops.

Thousands of mosaic elements are cut from ordinary colored tiles. Then, the mosaic is carefully arranged into the desired pattern and filled with a special compound. Pottery with vibrant patterns is popular not only in Morocco but also far beyond its borders.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06060332298099, -4.949552366691835

The religious complex (zawiya) that includes the mosque and mausoleum of Moulay Idris II is one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Morocco.

Moulay Idris II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 AD, is considered the main founder of Fez and is revered as the patron saint of the city and the whole country. He was the son of a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad - Sultan Idris I.

The Moulay Idris Mosque, built in the 9th century, is one of the oldest in Fez. It is characterized by the simplicity of its architecture and the richness of its decoration in the form of wall tiles, intricate wood and stone carvings.

Against the backdrop of the snow-white walls of the mosque stands out a tall minaret built in the late 19th century - a round tower decorated with green tiles, featuring enormous quotes from the Quran visible all around its perimeter. Within the mosque lies a tomb where Moulay Idris I is buried.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06483808533957, -4.974722004349401

In the late 14th century, a wave of Jews fleeing from Portugal and Spain flooded into Morocco. Until the mid-20th century, there was a large Jewish community in Fez, similar to many other Moroccan cities, living in the Mellah quarter. With the formation of Israel, Jews began to leave, and thus the Jewish quarters of Fez gradually became nearly deserted.

Mellah in the Fes el-Jdid district is an atmospheric place, separated by a wall from the rest of the city. The Jewish houses are architecturally distinct from the Arab buildings - they feature different carvings and decor, have wooden balconies, and less solid walls in the courtyards.

In the Jewish quarter, there is a renovated 18th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the end of the quarter, there is a museum that tells about the way of life of the Jews who lived in Fez.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.05263966044792, -4.991767550381106

Right on the city square of El-Najjarin stands an ancient caravanserai from the 17th century with a traditional inner courtyard and fountain. It was built for wealthy traveling merchants. On the lower floor, traders stored and sold their goods, while on the upper floors they slept.

Today, one part of the restored caravanserai houses a restaurant serving Eastern cuisine, while another part is a museum dedicated to the traditional Moroccan craft of woodworking. Here, interesting exhibits are displayed: crafting tools, chests, Berber locks, musical instruments, prayer beads, intricate doors, and window frames.

In the museum, you can not only admire the unique artworks of master woodworkers but also purchase original souvenirs.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.064754593055625, -4.975904907427658

The museum is housed in the tower of the ancient Fort Borj Nord, built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur from the Saadian dynasty. The fortress is located in the northwestern part of the Old City, on a hillside that offers stunning views of the valley and the Fes el-Bali medina.

Fort Borj Nord is the largest defensive structure in the vicinity of Fez. Since its construction, an arsenal has been located in its fortress tower. In 1963, the collection of weapons from the El-Batha Museum was moved to the tower.

Over time, a rich exhibition of the Army Museum has formed. Today, the Army Museum features more than 5,000 exhibits spanning from the 9th century to the present. These include various types of weapons from all nations and states that have ever fought in these territories.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06735136113443, -4.984964990857074

Bab Dekakene (literally "gate of benches") was built in the 13th century - during the reign of the Marinid dynasty. These fortified ceremonial gates, resembling a castle, are part of the main northern entrance to the city of Fez. They are located between large open courtyards - the Old and New Mehuars - on the northern outskirts of Fes-el-Jdid. Under Sultan Moulay Hassan, Bab Dekakene was restored and altered in the late 19th century.

Long ago, the entrance of Bab Dekakene into Fes-el-Jdid was a place where trials were held for criminals. Today, these imposing gates serve as a colorful backdrop for performances that traditionally take place during the annual World Sacred Music Festival.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.05855817315458, -4.991173946677888

The Dar el-Batha Palace in Moorish style was built from 1873 to 1897. Construction began under Sultan Hassan I and was completed during the reign of his son - Abd al-Aziz I. The palace is a monument of Moroccan architecture, and the palace garden is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.

In the halls of the Dar el-Batha Palace, an exhibition of the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Fez is installed, which is also called the Museum of Moroccan Art. Here are exhibited pottery, marvelous Berber carpets, a collection of massive jewelry made of gold and bronze, traditional double-sided embroidery, giant locks, and richly decorated door frames.

Twice a year, concerts of sacred and ancient Andalusian music are held in the shady garden of the palace.

Address on Google Maps: Dar Batha Museum, Oued Fejjaline، 5 Ave du Batha, Fes, Morocco.

Fez is rich in ancient Moroccan buildings with unique decor. One of them is the Al-Attarine Madrasa, located next to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. The madrasa, built in 1325 during the reign of Sultan Abu Said Atman, is not only one of the oldest buildings in Fez but also one of the most beautiful.

This two-story building in Moorish style stands out with its sophisticated beauty - a striking example of Arab architecture. The building and courtyard are decorated with mosaics, fine wood carving, glazed tiles, and exquisite arabesques.

The interior features a huge bronze chandelier weighing about 1400 kg. The columns and arches that appear weightless support the galleries with students' rooms. On the first floor, there is a marble basin. From the roof of the madrasa, there is a beautiful view of the city.

Address on Google Maps: Al Attarine Madrasa, 328G+3H2, Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes, Morocco.

Najjarin Square is one of the most notable corners in the very heart of the Old City. The concept of a square in the Medina of Fez is quite peculiar - even a small plot measuring 20 by 20 meters is already called a "square." The square is located at the end of the Najjarin bazaar - which translates to "carpenter." This is the famous realm of woodworkers. The air here is filled with the scent of fresh red cedar. The wonderful combination of spice aromas, lush greenery, and fragrant cedar wood makes Najjarin Square one of the most visited places in Fez. The square features a famous fountain from the 18th century, as well as an ancient caravanserai, which houses the Museum of Artistic Works of Wood.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.064818153953155, -4.975733356345506

The Bou Inania Madrasa, constructed between 1350 and 1357 on the orders of Sultan Abu Inan, is the largest madrasa in the city and one of the most beautiful and richly decorated buildings of the Merinid era in Morocco. Renovations have restored the building's previous beauty.

The Bou Inania Madrasa has two doors: one with rich bronze decor serves as the main entrance, while the other leads to the prayer hall. The courtyard and stairs are finished with marble, faience, and onyx. The white wall tiles, decorated with mosaics and Quranic verses, create a striking contrast with the wood carvings.

Despite the building's rich decor, the interiors of the students' rooms are quite austere. In the courtyard, there are two marble bridges spanning a small tributary of the Fez River that flows through the madrasa grounds.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06215072910587, -4.982735039931604

In the city square of Najjarin (El-Najjarin), there is a historic building - a caravanserai built in the 18th century, which today houses the Museum of Works of Art in Wood.

In front of the museum, you can see a beautiful fountain. This is one of the seventy public fountains in Fez - true works of art that give elegant beauty and uniqueness to the city's squares. For the locals, such fountains served as sources of drinking water. The fountain is decorated with wonderful colorful mosaics, with a magnificent carved canopy above it.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.064805425909846, -4.9757896226960066

In the Fes el-Bali area lies an ancient historical monument - the majestic ruins of the once extensive necropolis of the Merinid dynasty sultans, who ruled Morocco from the 12th century. The tombs are located on the slope of a high hill - in the northern part of the Old medina, not far from Fort Borj Nord.

Most of the ruins date back to the 14th century, but there are even older fragments dating back to the 12th century. Although today only the ruins of the Merinid tombs remain, this sacred place still attracts crowds of tourists. From the hilltop, there is a breathtaking view of the Old City - the towering elegant minarets and a multitude of houses surrounded by picturesque green hills.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.069879955741335, -4.979432316625726

Of all the madrasas in the city of Fez - this is the largest and least ancient. It was built during the reign of the Alaouite dynasty in the second half of the 17th century. The structure was built on the same principles as earlier madrasas from the Merinid era, but its style is more utilitarian.

The Cherratine Madrasa accommodates 240 students. The building has four inner courtyards: three of them are surrounded by bedrooms (a total of 120), while the fourth has washbasins and restrooms. Externally, the madrasa looks much stricter than its predecessors, lacking the quantity of patterned decorations. In the 1950s, students from the Qarawiyyin Mosque lived in the Cherratine Madrasa.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.064010124759825, -4.973863275513553

It is said that all the streets of the medina of Fez lead to its spiritual center - the oldest city mosque, Karaouin, founded in 859 AD. The minaret appeared later - in 956 AD. The Karaouin Mosque, which can hold up to 22,000 people, is considered the second largest mosque in Morocco. In the 9th century, a famous university was established here.

The architecture of the Karaouin Mosque primarily formed in the 9th to 12th centuries. The majestic structure, topped with a green tiled roof, is crowned by five domes. In the vast central prayer hall, there are 10 transverse naves and 16 rows of columns.

The interior is decorated in traditional Eastern style - arabesques, ornaments, gilding, and wood carving. In the inner courtyards, there are two pavilions from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as fountains for ablution. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the mosque.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06494763950605, -4.973355969906644

Website: http://uaq.ma

The Andalus Mosque and Madrasa are located behind the fortress walls of the Fes-el-Jdid medina, in the Andalusian quarter - one of the oldest districts of the city. In the right bank part of Fez, the cathedral Andalus Mosque is still considered the central mosque.

The Andalus Mosque and Madrasa were built in the 9th century in Moorish style. They acquired their current appearance in the 13th century when the complex was expanded and adorned with additional decorative elements. The mosque significantly dominates the surrounding buildings of the Andalusian quarter. Notably, its minaret is decorated with white-green patterns and features an impressive portal with a cedar canopy.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 34.06321618517008, -4.968138933185419

The picturesque Todra Gorge, stretching about 40 km, is the most famous natural attraction near Fez. It was formed in the eastern part of the Atlas Mountains by the mighty Todra River. The powerful mountain river has since diminished and transformed into a stream flowing through the gorge. The height of the sheer cliffs of reddish-yellow sandstone reaches 160 m. In the narrowest part, the gorge is only 10 m wide.

For trekking enthusiasts, several hiking trails have been laid along the rocky slopes of the gorge - ranging from fairly challenging to simple. This place has also attracted rock climbers. The high sheer cliffs seem to compress on both sides of the well-kept road, which is lined with numerous shops selling clothes, jewelry, sweets, and other goods.

GPS coordinates on Google Maps: 31.587505031397036, -5.592913062478559