Sightseeing in Fes - what to see. Complete travel guide

Fez is the oldest city in Morocco accommodating unique religious sites and an amazing cultural center. Thousands of travelers visit it every year to see priceless historic monuments, stroll through picturesque markets and the most confusing medina quarter on the planet, Fes el-Bali , which is a landmark of world significance. The medina concentrates 200 mosques and the same number of churches. It is an amazing intertwining of 6,000 streets forming an incredibly complex labyrinth.

The city of Fez was founded in 791, today it is the fourth largest city in the country, one of the so-called imperial cities of Morocco and is the largest center of Islamic culture in North Africa. The heyday of the city falls on the 13th century when the present-day Fes el-Bali was a collection of small areas, each of which had a separate mosque. Subsequently, all the scattered regions were united. These places serve as a center of attraction for curious tourists.

In total, there are more than 800 mosques in Fez, including a lot of sights of state and world importance. Despite the fact that the city has preserved its historical and cultural wealth, it is not inferior to modern metropolises in terms of the level of infrastructure development. It is mainly aimed at foreign guests: the city has very attractive markets, thousands of interesting stores and shopping malls, as well as entertainment facilities popular among modern travelers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The modern appearance of the city and its frantic rhythm of life do not prevent its cultural traditions from improving and developing. One of the most interesting national crafts is the manufacture of copper jewelry and interior items. Travelers who wish to get acquainted with this amazing art form are divides to visit Seffarine Square where the city's best workshops are located. Every day local craftsmen transform shapeless metal elements into incredibly beautiful bowls, candlesticks, and artworks in front of the amazed public.

Another national craft that should be included in your vacation program is leathercraft. Like many hundreds of years ago, leather painting and processing workshops have been operating in Fez. The clothes presented in specialized stores are of the highest quality. Visiting old leather centers, whose production has not changed over hundreds of years, remains one of the favorite entertainment for tourists. However, all curious travelers should take into account one important thing. The paints used to process the skin are prepared solely from natural ingredients, many of which have a quite specific and unpleasant odor. At the same time, it does not confuse hundreds of tourists who visit the leather centers every day and enjoy excursions.

The leathercraft quarter is equally popular among fans of excursions and shopping. Excellent clothes, shoes, and bags made of genuine leather can be bought here at very attractive prices. And if you cannot find a suitable accessory in the shops, experienced craftsmen will gladly make it to order. Connoisseurs of a culture of the past and fascinating tours, active tourists and tireless shopping admirers will find something to their liking in Fez. This unique city does not leave anyone indifferent.

Fans of excursions have much to see in Fes and many interesting and beautiful buildings to explore. Besides Medina, there are many notable historical landmarks in the area of Fes El Jdid. This is where travelers can see the gorgeous Emir’s Palace, the façade of which is decorated by the skillfully made polychromic tiles. Numerous historical streets start not far from the palace, and all of them are rich in typical residential buildings of past centuries.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin building is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting architectural landmarks of the city. The university is very old – it was founded yet in 859. Even nowadays the University of al-Qarawiyyin remains one of the most important and famous educational centers in the Islamic world. A visit to Zaouia Moulay Idris II also promises to be an unforgettable one. The mausoleum has a luxurious design in the national style. Inside the building, visitors can see a rich collection of precious and holy artifacts. However, the Royal Palace remains the most famous landmark of Fes. Nowadays, the exhibition of the Art Museum occupies the palace’s halls. Simply every element of the outside and inner design is unforgettable and unique. During an excursion there, visitors will also see a collection of artworks, old furniture, and jewelry.