Information on Fez
As the oldest of three imperial cities founded in 790 BC by Moulay Idriss II, Fez is the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco. The old part of the city is rich with historical relics as it has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. Explore your way through the busy throng of brightly attired tribal warriors, industrious merchants, traditional bell-ringing water sellers, olive dealers and veiled women your way to the medieval Medina. The Medina of Fez was well preserved under French occupation and is the most complete medieval city still in existence, which forms a working model of a more youthful world. Fez also has a more modern section to the city called Ville Nouvelle, which has a strong French influence added to its streets.
Tour guides offer the simplest way to tour the thriving city centre, as traditionally Fez is always a hive of activity with busy markets and the buzz of merchants trading their wares. Steep cobbled lanes, with laden mules and ungainly carts delivering more products and pushing through the crowds of shoppers is a regular sight. Those more brave can explore the winding alleyways at the risk of getting lost and having to pick up a guide along the way to find their way back out. Visiting the souks will lead to a stopover at Fez's tanneries and the chance to explore one of Morocco's oldest arts.
The best view of the skyline, with a variety of holy palaces and the Karaouine Mosque is hemmed in by tenements and workshops and can be seen from the hilltop at the ruined Merenid tombs, which is by the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and at the eastern end of the plain of Saiss. Fez offers a captivating and colourful experience, but is diverse with a mysterious and shadowy side under the bustling mass of humanity filling the souks and squares.
Karaouine Mosque
Set in the centre of Islamic learning for over a thousand years, in the heart of Fes El Bali (Medina), the Karaouine Mosque is surrounded by many Islamic schools (madrases) that are open to the public. Non-Muslims may not enter the huge mosque, but it is worth taking a look inside. The most famous of the madrasas is the Attarin Madrasa, which was built early in the 14th century and has many historic features.
Tanneries
The production of quality soft leather is a craft, which is centuries old in Morocco and those with strong stomachs, should explore the tanner's quarter close the Karaouine Mosque to experience the tanneries. The tanners yards and leather shops are piled with skins and vats of dye, where you can explore the processes involved in leather production and later browse the leather shops for a variety of gifts and products.
Address: Bab Debbagh (Tannery Gate); Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: Free
City gates
Entry to the ancient town of Fez can be through one of the many gates surrounding it. The central gate of Bab Er Rsif opens in front of a mosque of the same name and onto a square. The western gate is Bab Bou Jeloud is the principal entrance for tourists and was constructed in 1913, although in appearance is seems much older and it is brightly decorated with cafes and hotels around it. The southeast gate leads to the cemeteries and is called Bab el-Ftouh and the north gate Bab Guissa is located close to the Merenid tombs.
Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
The remains of the Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez are located in a shrine deep in the old city. Housed in one of the holiest buildings in the city the saint's tomb resides in an imposing building, which non-Muslims may not enter. It is worth a glimpse through the doors to see the saints' tomb, which is under constant worship by a group of women who burn incense, candles and make offerings in a devotional ritual.
