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Fes, Morocco, historically one of the world’s great centers of education and culture, is a city steeped in rich traditions and captivating history. Known for its ancient walled city, the medina of Fez el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an intricate maze of narrow streets filled with vibrant markets and historic mosques.
Fes also serves as a principal cultural and spiritual locus, boasting one of the oldest universities globally, the University of Al Quaraouiyine. Furthermore, the city offers a palpable sense of the medieval ages, drawing travelers eager to experience its enduring architectural marvels and enduring scholarly legacy.
For the best experience in Fes, plan to explore the medina with a local guide. Not only will you avoid getting lost, but you’ll also gain deeper insights into the historical context and cultural significances of the sights.
Ensure you visit during one of Fes’s many vibrant festivals, such as the Festival of World Sacred Music, to experience the city’s rich cultural tapestry animated through music and performance.
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Fes: A Cultural Tapestry
| Country | Morocco |
| Time in Fes | GMT+1 |
| Language spoken | Arabic |
| Population | 1,112,072 (source: World Urbanization Prospects 2022) |
| Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Airports |
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Fes, known as the cultural and spiritual heartland of Morocco, provides an enchanting glimpse into a heritage spanning thousands of years. With its roots stretching back to the 9th century, Fes is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest operating university in the world, and a rich tapestry of medieval architecture that is largely preserved. The city, divided into three parts, Fes el Bali, Fes Jdid, and the Ville Nouvelle, offers a labyrinth of narrow streets teeming with vibrant souks, monumental gates, and tranquil gardens.
The centerpiece of Fes is undoubtedly its Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with artisan workshops and traditional markets. Here, visitors can delve into the vibrant hues of the Chouara Tannery or find splendid handcrafted goods, from intricate wood carvings to beautifully woven carpets. Beyond heritage, Fes is also a city of innovation, mingling its historical craftsmanship with contemporary arts and cuisine which are influencing an entire generation.
Religious and historical structures such as the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II and the famed Bab Bou Jeloud provide insights into the city’s religious significance and architectural grandeur. Moreover, the annual Festival of World Sacred Music highlights Fes’s role as a meeting point of cultures, featuring artists from around the globe. Fes’s gastronomical offerings are as diverse as its culture, with local dishes such as pastilla and harira connecting to its deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Not far from the city are the mesmerizing Middle Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and a chance for adventurous excursions. Serving as a gateway to Morocco’s imperial past and dynamic future, Fes continues to be a pivot of cultural exchange and artistic innovation. It represents a tangible link to Morocco’s rich history while progressively forging a contemporary identity.
Where is Fes?
Fes is situated in the northern inland region of Morocco, surrounded by picturesque hills and a few hours’ drive from the Atlantic coast.
Distances:
| Route | Distance by car | Time by car |
| Casablanca to Fes | 180 miles (290 km) | Approx. 3 hours |
| Rabat to Fes | 130 miles (209 km) | Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Marrakech to Fes | 330 miles (531 km) | Approx. 6 hours |
What is Fes famous for?
Fes is renowned as a historical city that played a pivotal role in Morocco’s intellectual, religious, and artistic life, exemplified by its preserved medieval architecture and ancient educational institutions.
History
789–1250: The Foundation and Flourishing
Fes, as we know it, was founded under Idris I in 789, distinguished prominently for swiftly emerging as an Islamic spiritual and educational pole. The city burgeoned under the Idrisid dynasty and its development continued under the Almoravids, who fortified it by building its enduring walls and the meticulously architected Kairouan mosque. By the 13th century, Fes attained its zenith as a nucleus of doctrine, culture, and commerce which was embodied by Al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 and widely regarded as the oldest existing, continually operating university in the world.
1250–1900: Political Turbulence and Cultural Wealth
Transition into the control of the Marinid dynasty around mid-13th century marked further architectural flourish with Madrasas, like Bou Inania and Atterbine, elevating its skyline and educational repute. Despite political instabilities due to succession troubles and war, Fes thrived as a cradle of high culture. However, some degree of decline set in under successive domination by the Saadians and later, the Alaouites, notwithstanding, it remained an indisputable intellectual reservoir.
1900–Present: Colonial Influence to Modernity
During the Franco-Spanish control, Fes saw a reshaping of its social and physical terrain, birthing the Ville Nouvelle (New City) by the French which coexists with the medieval old Medina. Post-independence (1956), Fes continued to stride towards adaptability and tourism, preserving its profound lessons in history, robust culture, and traditional crafts, sustaining its appeal even in contemporary times.
Visit Fes
What to see and do in Fes
The Moroccan city of Fes is an exquisite tapestry of history, culture, and artistry, primarily renowned for its well-preserved medieval Medina of Fes el Bali – an UNESCO World Heritage site. Travellers are encouraged to explore the intricate maze of its narrow streets, discovering hidden mosques, fondouks (old marketplaces), steamy hammams (public baths), and vibrant souks (markets).
Noteworthy visits should include the Medersa Bou Inania, an architectural gem that doubles as both a religious site and a place of learning; Dar Batha Museum, a Spanish style palace that houses traditional Moroccan arts; and the Chouara Tannery, offering a glimpse into the ancient practices of leather dying.
- Explore the Medina of Fes el Bali
- Visit the Medersa Bou Inania and Dar Batha Museum
- Observe leather dyeing at Chouara Tannery
Annual Events in Fes
Fes is vibrant with cultural festivities. The renowned Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, typically held in June, gathers musicians from across the globe in a harmonious celebration of arts that transcends cultural and spiritual boundaries.
The Fes Culinary Festival in October also offers visitors a taste of both traditional and innovative Moroccan cuisine, curated by acclaimed chefs.
Best time to visit Fes
Visiting Fes in Morocco is most favorable during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods boast a delightful climate—neither too hot nor too cold—ideal for exploring the city’s boundless historical treasures and attending its bustling festivals.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Fes is unquestionably worth visiting for anyone with an appetite for history, culture, and architectural splendor. The city offers a journey through time with its medina, mosques, madrasas, and souks that tell tales of a bygone era preserved in splendid detail.
The continuous blend of past traditions and present culture makes Fes a dynamic city that captivates travelers from around the world.