Often referred to as the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa," Fes is the former Moroccan capital. It is renowned worldwide for its stunning ancient medinas, the most famous of which is the Fes el Bali, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that should definitely become part of your Morocco vacation itinerary.
Fes was founded in 789 by the Idrisid dynasty on the banks of the Jawhar River. The city boasts the best-preserved old town in the Arab world, as it has managed to safeguard numerous gems from different time periods of its formation.
Some of the main highlights of Fes include the University of al-Karaouine, the oldest continually operating university in the world. It is a leading Muslim spiritual and educational center dating back to 859.
The 14th-century Bou Inania madrasa is another religious college and a great example of traditional Islamic architecture to check out during your Fes sightseeing. Up in the hills of the town are the Borj Nord and Borj Sud fortresses, overlooking the old town.
The medieval narrow maze-like streets of the medinas preserve other treasures as well. Among these are the four gates of Fes, recognized for their exquisite traditional Moroccan tile work. Decorated with various shades of blue, the Bab Bou Jeloud gates are a true marvel worth stopping by during your Fes tour.
Another unique place not to miss is the local Chouara and Sidi Moussa tanneries. These tanneries, dating back to the Middle Ages, boast hundreds of colorful traditional leather-dying pits and are a unique centuries-old feature of Fes.
The city has one of the largest car-free urban pedestrian zones on the planet. The petite streets are swarming with markets and vendors offering numerous handicrafts, created by centuries-old traditions. Colorful shawls, aromatic spices, musical instruments, exotic dishes—all can be found in the curvy streets of the ancient walled Fes Medina. Traverse the ancient cobblestone paths to get the feeling of traveling back in time.
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