Fez

Fez-Meknes

Spiritual and Cultural Capital

Fez, founded in the 9th century, is the spiritual capital of Morocco and houses the largest pedestrian medina in the world. Meknes, its imperial neighbor, bears witness to the grandeur of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

4.4 million

Population

40,075 km²

Area

110 inhabitants/km²

Density

9% of national GDP

GDP

Fez

Capital

Continental Mediterranean

Climate

Histoire

Founded in 789 by Idris I, Fez quickly became a center of knowledge with the University of Al Quaraouiyine (859), the oldest in the world. Meknes reached its peak under Moulay Ismail (17th century) who made it a capital rivaling Versailles.

Géographie

Between the foothills of the Middle Atlas and the plains of Saiss, the region enjoys a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The cedars of Ifrane and the mountain lakes offer exceptional landscapes.

Economy & Key Sectors

Les moteurs économiques de la région Fez-Meknes

Art craftsmanship

Tanneries, zellige, copperware, Fassi embroidery

Agriculture

Cereals, olives, Meknes vineyards

Cultural tourism

UNESCO medinas, festivals, heritage

Education

Universities, religious institutes, training centers

Key Figures

30,000+

Artisans

UNESCO sites

500,000 ha

Olive groves

150,000

Students

Tourism & Discoveries

Getting lost in the medina of Fez is like traveling back in time. The labyrinthine alleys hide palaces, fondouks, and the famous tanneries. Meknes and Volubilis complete this historical journey.