Full day
Fes el-Bali Medina
The largest medina in the Arab world, a labyrinth of 9,000 alleys. UNESCO World Heritage since 1981. A journey back in time.
Free (guide recommended)
Ville Impériale
Fez
The Spiritual Capital
Cradle of Moroccan civilization
1.1 million inhabitants
Founded in 789
18°C annual, 35°C in summer
The oldest of the imperial cities, Fez is the jealous guardian of a thousand-year-old knowledge. Its medina, the largest pedestrian zone in the world, houses Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest still in operation.
Histoire de Fez
Fez, founded in 789 by Moulay Idris I, is considered the cradle of Moroccan identity. The city reached its peak under the Marinids (13th-15th centuries) who made it a major intellectual and artistic center.
Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859, is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest higher education institution in the world still in operation. It trained thinkers such as Ibn Khaldun and Pope Sylvester II.
The medina of Fes el-Bali, with its 9,000 alleys, 300 mosques and 180 fondouks, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Artisans perpetuate ancestral know-how: traditional tanneries, zellige, coppersmithing, Fassi embroidery.
Foundation
789 by Idris I
Dynasty
Idrisids (foundation), Marinids, Alaouites
Climate
Continental, hot summers and cool winters
Monuments & Sites to Visit
Les incontournables de Fez pour un voyage inoubliable
1h
Chouara Tanneries
The famous ancient dyeing vats. View from the terraces of leather shops. A unique olfactory experience!
Free (purchase advised)
30min
Al Quaraouiyine
The oldest university in the world (859). Library with 30,000 manuscripts. Interior partially accessible since 2016.
Free
45min
Bou Inania Madrasa
14th-century Marinid masterpiece. The only madrasa in Fez equipped with a minbar for Friday prayer.
30 MAD
15min
Bab Boujloud Gate
Iconic entrance to the medina. Blue on the city side (color of Fez), green on the medina side (color of Islam).
Free
Exterior
Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen)
Royal residence of 80 hectares. Monumental doors in gilded bronze. Gardens visible from outside.
Free
Quartiers de Fez
Fes el-Bali
Historic medina, UNESCO World Heritage
Fes el-Jdid
Royal quarter and mellah (former Jewish quarter)
Ville Nouvelle
Modern district, restaurants and hotels
Practical Information
Where to Sleep?
Absolutely in a riad in the medina to live the history. The most authentic ones are near Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira. Palais Faraj and Riad Fès offer luxury with panoramic views.
Gastronomy
Pigeon pastilla is THE Fassi specialty. Also try mrouzia (sweet and savory tagine), gazelle horns and mint tea prepared according to tradition.
Transportation
Medina 100% pedestrian. Small red taxis to reach the new city. GPS useless in the medina - take a guide!
Best Time
April-May and September-October. Avoid July-August (intense heat in the alleys).
Our Tips
Hire an official guide for the first visit to the medina
Visit the tanneries in the morning for the best light
Bring a mint scarf for the smells of the tanneries
The best artisans are in the alleys, not on the main axes
Take a Fassi cooking class to learn local secrets
Excursions depuis Fez
Meknes
60 km
Another imperial city, Bab Mansour
Volubilis
80 km
UNESCO Roman ruins
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
55 km
Holy city, pilgrimage
Ifrane
65 km
The Moroccan Switzerland
Discover the Other Imperial Cities
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Consultez nos circuits incluant Fez ou contactez-nous pour un voyage sur mesure