Located an hour’s flight north-east of Marrakech, Fez is an intoxicating medieval treasure trove with its walled medina, Marinid architecture, exotic souks and minarets and narrow alleyways. You can experience Fes on one of our many Hasina Morocco Tours. Here’s a flavour of what you can expect in this spiritual and magical city.
Fes el Bali
Fez medina city is considered to be the largest intact medina on Earth. Enter by the main gate at Bab BouJloud with its superb view of the Medersa Bou Inania minaret. The narrow winding streets inside are divided by a river; the left bank houses most of the historic monuments and souks, while the right bank is a photographer’s paradise full of local life and colour. Here you’ll find the Al-Andalus Mosque with its green and white minaret.
Mellah – the Jewish Quarter in Fes el Jedid
Located north of the Royal Palace in Fes el Jedid, the former Jewish quarter is a fascinating collection of early 20th-century dwellings. The Aben-Danan synagogue – now restored – is open to visitors, as is the local cemetery. There’s also a Jewish museum that features Moroccan-Jewish life and culture.
Medersa Bou Inania
Considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco, this Islamic school of learning was built between 1350 and 1357 by the Merenid Sultan Bou Inan. Unlike Morocco’s mosques, the Medersa is open to non-Muslims, making it well worth a visit. Restored to its former beauty, the carved woodwork and stucco aesthetics are a breath-taking tribute to Morocco’s master craftsmen.
Moulay Yacoub
For a welcome respite from the noise and heat of modern-day Fez, head out of town 22km northwest of the city to the spa town of Moulay Yacoub. You’ll be scrubbed, rubbed and massaged in traditional style in the local hammams. If luxury is more your thing, there’s a luxury spa in the town too.
Fes Festival of Sacred Music
Possibly the world’s most impressive music festival, this year’s celebration of sacred music will be held from 12 to 20 June. This year’s artists include Barbara Hendricks, Ustad Shujaat Khan, Guo Gan and Loup Barrow, Rhiannon Giddons and many more.
Buy tickets at: www.fesfestival.com …and get there early at each venue as seats are not reserved.
Chouara Tanneries
Located in Fes El Bali with its colourful craftwork stalls, the famous Chouara tanneries are an opportunity to watch the traditional dyeing and tanning of animal skins. The best vantage points to watch the dye-making are from the rooftops of the surrounding leather shops that look down on this centuries-old custom.
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