Fes (or Fez)
It is the capital of the Fes-Boulemane region and the third largest city in
Morocco and one of Islams most prestigious cities. The city of Fes is still
lingering back in the Middle Ages and is one of imperial cities. Located close
to the banks of the Fez River, it was the largest city in the world from 1170 to
1180 AD. Fes has enough sights to keep you busy for three to four days. The
streets are filled with mosques, medersas, fondouks, bakery, hamam and
monuments.
It can broadly be divided into three sections.
1. Fes-el-Bali (the old, walled city, the largest of the other two medinas).
2. Fes-el-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah).
3. Ville Nouvelle (newest section of Fes, created by French).
Fes-el-Bali is the oldest and walled part of Fes, Morocco. It was founded by the Idrisid-Idris II and the most popular tourism spot. Fes-el-Bali is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. There are many ways to enter this medina. The most prominent entrance is at the Bab Boujeloud at the western end of the medina. The streets and paths within the medina are not really marked at all by signs or names, so you truly are on your own if you are not with a guide and there are no cars inside this area. Getting a guide is fairly easy since they are outside the more up market hotels and youth hostels. Around 200,000 of Fez's inhabitants stay in the city of Fes-el-Bali. As you arrive in the city and begin to walk around you will experience beautiful sights, intricate sounds, colorful smells, baskets of mint and dodging donkeys. Tiny stalls brim over with their wares - cloth, slippers, ceramics, pottery, leather and brass. Unlike many other walled cities this place of Morocco has not burst its banks and the walls are still intact.
Popular tourism attractions of Fes, Morocco:
- While Fes-el-Bali (Old Fes) is the core attraction of this Imperial City, a trip uphill to the Merenid tombs is worth it for the stunning view of entire Fes.
- The Boujeloud Gardens is a real haven with an open air cafe and many picnic spots.
- Royal Palace and the Mellah (Jewish quarter) in Fes el-Jdid.
- The Fes International Festival of Sacred Music takes place each year in June.
Borj Nord and Borj Sud (16th century watch towers), The Jewish Cemetery, Bab Boujloud, Boujloud Gardens, Musee des Arts et Traditions, Bou Inania Medersa, Fundouk Nejjarine, Attarine Medersa (14th century), Karaouine Mosque (9th century)
Fez (Morocco), new airport is 15km south of the city center. From here you can reach town by bus or by grand taxis.
Accommodation in Fes, Morocco:
Be sure to book well in advance. There are some modern hotels in Ville Nouvelle with moderate to good facilities, or in the basic hotels of Medina in Fes-e- Bali and Fes-el- jdid.
