Fes is a city in northeastern Morocco known as the cultural heart of the country. Its most famous area is the Fes El Bali medina, a historic, walled city filled with narrow streets, traditional markets, and ancient buildings. Inside the medina, you’ll find old religious schools like Bou Inania and Al Attarine, decorated with beautiful wood and tile work. Cars aren’t allowed here, so people walk or use donkeys for transport. One of the highlights is the al-Karaouine Mosque and University, one of the oldest in the world. Nearby is the Chouara Tannery, where leather is still dyed by hand using age-old methods. You can also visit the Nejjarine Museum, set in a restored inn with a rooftop view. In the south of Fes, the historic Jewish Quarter and its large cemetery show another side of the city’s diverse history.
places to visit in Fes
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Al-Attarine Madrasa, located near the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, was built between 1323 and 1325 by Sultan Uthman II Abu Said. Named after the nearby Souk al-Attarine spice market, the madrasa is a remarkable example of Marinid architecture, known for its beautiful and intricate decorations and efficient use of space.
Dar Batha
Dar Batha is a former royal palace built by Sultan Hassan I in the late 19th century and completed under Sultan Abdelaziz. It became a museum in 1915 and now houses over 6,500 pieces of historical arts and crafts from Morocco.
Royal Palace of Fez
The Royal Palace of Fez, or Dar al-Makhzen, dates back to the Marinid dynasty in 1276. Most of the palace today was built during the Alaouite era and includes private structures, gardens, and courtyards. It once housed administrative offices and courts.
Borj Nord
Borj Nord, built by the Saadi dynasty in 1582, is a large fort on the northern side of Fez. It was designed with European military influences and now houses the Museum of Arms, showcasing historical weapons.
Ibn Danan Synagogue
The Ibn Danan Synagogue, built in the 17th century, is located in Fez’s Mellah district. Once one of many synagogues in the city, it was built by a wealthy merchant named Mimoun Ben Sidan and is a significant site in Fez’s Jewish history.
Nejjarine Fondouk
The Nejjarine Fondouk, located in Fez el Bali, was built to house merchants and traders. This historic building has traditional Moroccan riad architecture and is famous for its location near the Nejjarine Fountain, a public water source.
Bab Makina Plaza
Bab Makina, formerly an arms factory known as Dar al-Silah, was an attempt to modernize Morocco’s army. Though it didn’t have a huge impact, it marked an important step in Fez’s industrial history.
Dar-el-Makhzen
The Dar-el-Makhzen in Tangier was once the palace of Morocco’s Sultans when they visited the city. Today, it houses two museums: the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of Antiquities.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, housed in the Nejjarine Fondouk, displays a stunning collection of wooden crafts and other traditional Moroccan artworks. The museum also features a rooftop cafe with great views of the medina.
Best time to visit Fes
The best time to visit Fes is from March to May and September to October, as the weather is mild and comfortable. During these months, the temperatures are ideal for exploring the city’s historic sites. The spring and autumn seasons offer pleasant conditions without the intense heat of summer. This is also a great time to experience the local culture and markets. Overall, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Fes with fewer crowds and great weather.
