BEST Things to Do in Fes
Bab Boujloud or Blue Gate
BEST Things to Do in Fes. It is the main access door to the Medina, of Almohad origin from the 13th century, although rebuilt. It is composed of three arches and two towers. On the outside it is blue, the symbol of the city, and on the inside it is green, the color of Islam.
From this gate start the two main arteries of the Medina of Fez, and two of the most commercial streets: Tala’a Sghira and Tala’a Kbira.
Bou Inania Madrasa
The madrasa (school attended to learn the Koran) was founded in the 15th century by Abu Inan Faris, the same sultan who ordered the construction of the Madrasa.
Bou Inania of Meknes.
It is the only madrasah in Fez with a minaret because it is also a mosque (in fact, at prayer time it closes for tourists for a few minutes). It is one of the few religious buildings in Morocco that can be visited by tourists, so take advantage of the opportunity.
BEST Things to Do in Fes Nejjarine Square
This little square is located in the old carpenters’ neighborhood of Fez. It is home to the oldest fountain in Fez, as well as the Fondouk Nejjarine, a building that was a lodging inn for foreigners visiting the city in the 18th century, and which currently houses the Wood Museum. Its architectural features are beautiful.
Tanneries of Fez
The Chouwara Tannery in Fez is the largest of the four in the city and one of the most impressive in the world. Without a doubt a must in Fez. The landscape of houses, minarets and the countless multicolored pits with dyes and potions to treat the leather from camel, goat or ox, on which the tanners work tirelessly, is impressive.
Al-Qarawiyyin University
It is the oldest university in the world (9th century), which is still in operation. It was a cultural center of great relevance in the Middle Ages regarding relations with the West, having had among its ranks students of the stature of the philosopher Maimonides.
Since it is also a mosque, it cannot be visited, however its central courtyard can be easily seen from its different doors during the hours it is open.
BEST Things to Do in Fes Attarine Madrasa
It is the most beautiful madrasa in Fez, dating from the 14th century, following the style of the Merinides. It follows the structure of a central patio with classrooms around it.
During my visit we were not able to enter because it was closed for rehabilitation renovations.
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss
In the 13th century (500 years after the death of Moulay Idriss II) an incorrupt body was found that was recognized as that of the patron saint, attributing sacred character to the area. Years later, in the 18th century, a Mausoleum was built in his honor at that point, of which we can only see the door. Moulay Idriss is also a Holy City near Meknes, a pilgrimage site for Muslims.
The neighborhood of Fez where the Mausoleum is located is considered, as I said, a sacred area, and is delimited with wooden bars that formerly fenced the area, limiting the passage to Christians, animals, etc. Today it is part of the souk but these solid wooden crossbars are still preserved.
Place Seffarine
This square and its surrounding streets are dedicated to the manufacture of copper. It is normal to see artisans working on it and the sound of hammers hitting metal is a constant in the area.
Place R’Cif
The Bab R’Cif and Bab Sid L’Aquad gates end in this square and it is a fairly quiet esplanade that can be a good reference point to orient yourself in the medina.
Andalusian neighborhood
To the east of the Medina is the Andalusian neighborhood, with the Mosque of the same name, in green and white, which unfortunately was also under construction.
It is a poorer area, at least visually, perhaps because it is not so touristy and is less cared for. As I am from Seville, I wanted to add it to my things to see in Fez.
BEST Things to Do in Fes Royal Palace
One of the faces of the Royal Palace of Fez is the cover of the Lonely Planet guide to Morocco, and these people know what they are doing. It dates back to the 14th century.
Although it is located outside the Medina, it is definitely worth visiting. The façade with its seven solid wooden doors lined with bronze (representing the 7 days of the week and the 7 degrees of the monarchy), decorated with blue and green tiles
Although only the gate can be visited, since King Mohamed VI stays there when he visits Fez, it is another essential thing to photograph in Fez.
Mellah
The Mellah is the Jewish neighborhood of Fez, with a ruinous architecture in which the very interesting wood stands out. We recognize that it is a Jewish area because of the balconies, something unthinkable in the Muslim part.
In the Mellah is the Ibn Danan Synagogue, a picturesque place to say the least as it is a type of private home in which a 17th century synagogue is located. From the roof you can see the Jewish cemetery.
Tombs of the Merinides and Borj Nord
This place located on top of a mountain is the cemetery of the last Merinid sultans, while the first are in the Chellah necropolis in Rabat.
Perhaps the ruins are not so bad when choosing what to see in Fez, but the views of Fez are worth it, which will take you back to the Middle Ages.
Hammam in Fez
In Fez there are several traditional hammams where you can go for a public bath, either for men or women. In our case, being a couple on this occasion, we had to opt for the more touristy alternative, which did allow us to do it together.
A hammam is the thermal complex where the “major” washing is done. Its historical-religious purpose was to ascend to the tahara, to spiritual purity, essential on certain occasions to fulfill Koranic obligations. Minor washing is what is done before entering the mosque or before praying.
