Morocco is one of my favorite destinations. It is a land of exotic landscapes, ancient history, and rich culture that offers an unforgettable travel experience. From wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient medina in Fes, to riding camels across the golden dunes of the vast Sahara Desert, every moment feels like stepping into a different world. This enchanting country is ready to captivate you, just as it has completely charmed me. For inspirations, visit Kathy’s Morocco Travel Destination Gallery.
Nestled in the heart of Morocco, Fes is a city that hums with the echoes of centuries past. Known as the cultural and spiritual capital of the country, Fes offers an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s history, art, and tradition.
Fes el-Bali
The beating heart of Fes is the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, and also one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Founded in the 8th century, it has an ancient medina with a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling souks, historic mosques, and traditional Riads.
Medina: A medina is the historic old town or city center in many North African and Middle Eastern cities. It is characterized by narrow, winding streets, bustling marketplaces, and traditional architecture. The word “medina” comes from the Arabic term madīnah, meaning “city.”
Souk: A souk (also spelled souq, suq, or سوق in Arabic) is a traditional marketplace found in cities, towns, and villages across North Africa and the Middle East. Souks are the hubs of commerce, culture, and community life, offering a sensory-rich experience of colors, sounds, and scents.
Riad: A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. It offers a serene and intimate retreat from the bustling medinas and streets outside. The word “riad” comes from the Arabic term riyad, meaning “garden,” highlighting the central role of nature in these homes.
Chouara Tannery
Wandering through the medina, you’ll find the unmistakable odor wafting from the Chouara Tannery. It is one of the oldest leather tanneries in the world. Dating back to the 11th century, the tannery continues to use traditional methods passed down through generations.
Workers use large stone vats filled with natural dyes made from ingredients like saffron, poppy flowers, henna, and indigo. Before dyeing, the hides are softened in vats containing a mixture of water, salt, and lime to remove hair and impurities. Once cleaned, the hides are treated with a solution often made from pigeon droppings. It contains ammonia to help soften and prepare the leather for dyeing. The dyes are then applied by hand or through soaking in the vats, ensuring even saturation and rich, long-lasting colors. Afterward, the leather is laid out to dry in the sun.
Visitors can witness this process from surrounding terraces. While the tannery is famous for its artistry, it also emits a strong odor due to the natural materials used, adding to the authenticity of the experience. Despite the pungent aroma, the Chouara Tannery remains a must-visit destination. It offers a unique insight into Morocco’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Located in the heart of Fes, the Al-Qarawiyyin University is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world, dating back to 859 CE. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a visionary woman who used her inheritance to establish this center of knowledge.
The university has played a pivotal role in the intellectual and cultural development of the Islamic world and beyond. Over the centuries, it became a hub for scholars in fields such as theology, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. The university’s mosque, with its stunning arches and intricate architecture, remains a spiritual and architectural marvel.
Unfortunately, non-muslim visitors are not allowed to enter.
Bou Inania Madrasa
The Bou Inania Madrasa provides a quiet retreat from the bustling medina. It is a beautiful example of 14th-century Marinid architecture and one of the most renowned madrasas in the Islamic world.
Built between 1350 and 1357 by Sultan Abu Inan Faris, the Bou Inania Madrasa served as both a religious school and a mosque. The madrasa is famous for its intricate zellige tilework, finely carved cedarwood, and stucco ornamentation. They showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. Its courtyard features a marble floor, a central fountain, and walls adorned with Quranic inscriptions.
The Bou Inania Madrasa is unique in its dual role as a place of worship and a site open to non-Muslim visitors, allowing people from around the world to appreciate its historical and cultural significance.
Madrasa: A madrasa is an Islamic educational institution, traditionally focused on teaching subjects such as the Quran, Islamic law (Sharia), theology, and Arabic grammar.
Moroccan Handicrafts
Moroccan handicrafts are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and Morocco’s rich heritage, blending Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and sub-Saharan influences. Each craft showcases the skill and creativity of Moroccan artisans, passed down through generations.
The medina in Fes is a great place to pick up some of the best Moroccan handicrafts to take home:
- Pottery and tiles: Moroccan pottery, particularly from cities like Safi and Fez, is celebrated for its detailed geometric patterns and vibrant colors. The zellige tiles, used in mosaics for walls, fountains, and floors, exemplify Morocco’s ceramic artistry.
- Textiles and rugs: Handwoven rugs, such as the bold and geometric Beni Ourain rugs from the Atlas Mountains or colorful kilims from Berber tribes, are prized for their beauty and durability. Moroccan textiles often feature traditional motifs and natural dyes.
- Leather goods: Crafted using age-old methods in traditional tanneries like the Chouara Tannery, Moroccan leather products include babouches (slippers), bags, and wallets in vibrant, natural colors.
- Jewelry: Traditional Moroccan jewelry is bold and ornate, often crafted from silver and adorned with enamel, amber, or turquoise. Berber designs are particularly distinctive, with symbolic patterns and vibrant colors.
Kathy’s Fes Dining Experience
The best way to wrap the visit to Fes is enjoying a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner in a beautiful riad, accompanied by traditional music performance.
Fes is a city that doesn’t just transport you to another place; it takes you to another time. With its timeless charm and vibrant energy, it’s a destination that lingers long after you leave.