3 days tour from Fes to Chefchaouen

The city of Fez is in the northern part of Morocco, at the foot of the Maghreb hills 350 m from sea level. Fez is always considered one of the most important imperial cities for history and culture, and that is why the things to see are many and different. In addition, Fez plays a key role in the history of the country. In fact, it is the oldest of the four imperial cities.

What to see in Fez?

The imperial city of Fez offers many things to see and the discovery of the city will keep you busy for at least three or four days. The city is divided into three parts, Fès el Bali or the Medina of Fez, Fès-Jdid or New Fez, home of the Mellah, the Jewish Quarter, and the Ville Nouvelle, the recent French expansion.

The ancient medieval fortified city of Fes el Bali, the largest and best preserved in the Islamic world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, stalls, and numerous fountains. To enter the Medina, cross the Bab Boujeloud gate, magnificent with its blue and green majolica, and continue towards the Madrasa Bou Inania, among the most beautiful religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and the Tanneries of Fez.

Tanneries in Fez

The Tanneries of Fez, or Chouara, with their pungent smell, the huge stone tanks full of pigment, and the skins stretched out to dry one after the other, are famous all over the world.

The medieval tannery district of Fez is a must-see if you are visiting the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Here are still used processes used in the sixteenth century, when Fez has established itself as a leader in their production, to treat the skins of cow, camel, sheep, and goat.

Medina of Fez

Founded in the 9th century, the Medina of Fez consists of two distinct cities, Fes el Bali and Fes el Djedid, It is one of the largest and best preserved medieval fortifications in the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Medina is also the main attraction for tourists visiting the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Mellah, the Jewish Quarter

In the heart of the medina of Fez el Jedid, near the Royal Palace, is the old and traditional Jewish quarter of Mellah, which was created in 1438 thanks to the Marini dynasty and has been the residence of the Jewish community for centuries.

Some important architectural elements distinguish this area from those of the Muslim community, such as the outdoor balconies with railings that decorate the facades of the buildings. In Moroccan houses, the windows are only facing the courtyard, the riad, the nerve center of the house.

Bab Boujloud, the blue door

Considered the most beautiful gate of the Medina of Fez, Bab Boujloud is a majestic monumental entrance decorated with glazed ceramic tiles, blue on the outside and green on the inside, according to the Moorish – Andalusian style. The door also has 3 horseshoe-shaped arches through which you can see two minarets.

This entrance is relatively recent compared to the surrounding area and in fact, was built only in 1913 by General Hubert Lyautey, well 1000 years after the Medina, and went to replace the original of the twelfth century still visible next to it.

Al-Karaouine Mosque and University

The ancient Al-Karaouine Mosque, incorporated into the ancient Karaouine University, is one of the oldest in the Western Muslim world having been built in the heart of the Medina of Fez in 859. Until the construction of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Karaouine Mosque was the largest in Morocco.

Richly decorated, the Karaouine Mosque is the result of centuries of work ordered by each sultan, with a strong influence of the Marinid dynasty in the thirteenth century, has 16 naves and recalls that of Cordoba: The main features of this imposing building are an open-air courtyard with a large fountain in the center, a smaller fountain on each side and the prayer room decorated with stucco and Kufic, the ancient Arabic calligraphic form.

Madrasa Bou Inania

If you are on holiday in Fez you cannot miss the Madrasa Bou Inania, one of the few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims. The newly renovated complex includes a student residence, a mosque, and an Islamic school. Built in the second half of 1300, the complex is considered among the most beautiful in Morocco thanks to its rich decoration that includes an inlaid interior of cedar, zellige tiles, and a marble entrance courtyard.

This monument, which has a twin building in Meknes, is an important example of Marinid architecture and was finished by Abu Inane, the last sultan of the dynasty. The complex consists of a large courtyard surrounded by porches whose walls are decorated with floral and geometric patterns and carved stucco.