WHEN YOU talk about Fes , you talk about 12 centuries of culture and way of life, 12 centuries of architecture and buildings, a city of exotic charm and powerful style nourished by successive civilizations and customs frequented the city over centuries.

Fez, a city of a sacred position

Settled in the northeastern part of Morocco and often referred to as the country’s cultural and spiritual capital, Fes was built in 808 AD as the capital under Sultan Idriss II and is considered as Morocco’s oldest imperial city, and which has played a significant religious and spiritual role through its history.

The title of being cultural and spiritual capital wasn’t given arbitrary but for many strong reason, the city’s founder Idiriss II is considered the great-grand son of the prophet Mohammed what made of the city a shrine for muslim people, this is in one hand, in the other hand , the city is the home of the everlasting Al Qarawyine University , the oldest university in the world and which was must visiting institution for all science seekers, Ibn Khaldun, Ibn Alkhatib, Ibn Hirzihim and many more standout scholars and scientists got their education here, this institution went beyond being just an instructional place but also where political and governmental issues were being discussed.

The old Medina of Fez, an open air Museum

The city of Fez plays an integral part in Morocco’s Tourism and is a must see attraction in every tourist’s bucket-list, it gathers between what it is ancient and what it is contemporary in a very civilized blend, the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Old Medina here is nothing less than an open air museum and considered the Oldest and the biggest of its kind, with more than 9 thousand narrow alleys, visitor can expect wonders at every corner, this complicated maze gathers within its walls a bunch of intriguing monuments each with a powerful and significant story, in addition to the previously mentioned Al Qarawiyyin University, the tanneries, the attarine Madrassa, the Bou Inania Madrassa and the towering Blue gates are also included.

The old city is almost impossible to be all coverd in a short vacation since there is something to appreciate at every corner. Therefore, hiring a tour guide in Fez is perfect for short time travelers but as locals always say: the best way to enjoy the essence of Fez is to get lost in it.

Experience the power of all those previous cultures that occupied the city while having a stroll down the old city and get lost through its narrow twisted alleys appreciating the splendour of their design and towering  walls that have managed to beat the time and still stood for more than a millennium.

Enjoy the colorful view of the ambrosial spices and relish the smell of the freshly baked bread spread through the air as the call to prayer rises above the hustle of its souks full of stall holders and artisans hand crafting their merchandise.

Fez city is also considered as a point of departure for many excursions and  Morocco desert tours,  and  an important gate to the most famous tourist destinations all over Morocco.

A city of unique architecture and design

Since Fes is very old, its architecture then is unique and genuine, it is made special by the wonderful Arab and Moorish style.

The Moorish architecture here has gone beyond its original presence which was Mosques and Religious facilities to involve regular houses and buildings, arches and hypostyle type of construction can be found everywhere and the decorative tilework has covered almost every surface in the city while intricate calligraphy and carved plaster are of great presence.

Outside the walls of the Old Medina of Fez, the new town has been poshed up by the French colonial architecture just like Casablanca city, the avant-garde art deco, functionalism and modernist buildings covered almost every street there.