Tropical Tours: Fez

Fez Morocco

Fez is the epitome of enchantment, a pot of stunning allure that has been brewing since the Middle Ages. The city encompasses nearly all that Morocco has to offer; the echoing clangs of hammers on brass sheets, the cackles of chickens wandering freely, the constant chatter of endless conversations, the resonant prayers echoing from one minaret to another, young women balancing trays of rolled dough on their heads, throngs of people in the narrowest of streets, the tempting smells of brochettes on open grills, the sweet fragrance of cedar shavings and freshly cut mint leaves. The life-sized labyrinth that is the medina, or old city, is the largest and most challenging to navigate in Morocco; sometimes it's even easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets. Entering the medina through Bab Boujeloud, immediately turn left onto the shop-lined, bamboo-shaded rue Talaa Kebira. To the left is the grain market, while further along is the entrance to Bou Inania Madrasa, the finest Qur’anic university in Morocco. Constructed under the Merinid Dynasty in the 14th century, its beautifully carved white plaster walls and mihrab remain in remarkably good condition. The Zaouia de Moulay Idriss houses the tomb of Molay Idriss II, who established Fez as the capital of Morocco in 808. The cedarwood portal is adorned with faded geometric patterns. Nearby is the 14th century Al-Attarine Madrasa. Behind the magnificent bronze door lie intricately carved plaster walls topped by a cedarwood mantle and a splendid fountain. Other notable places in Fez include the viewpoints to the north of the city or most parts of Fes el Jedid, with the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum Dar al Batha. Once the capital of the country, today Fez is Morocco’s third largest city but is considered the country’s religious, cultural, and intellectual hub. Situated between the Riff and the Middle Atlas Mountains, the city consists of Fes El Bali, the old city, and Fes El Jedid, the new city. The King of Morocco’s wife, Princess Lalla Salma, was born in Fez, which has further increased the popularity of this medieval city.

Recommended airport

Fez-Saiss (FEZ)

Points of interest