The Perfectly Preserved Medieval City of Fez

There are few cities that exist today as they did 1,200 years ago. Fez (or Fes) Morocco is one of them.

Because of its outstanding ancient architecture, which was built to allow for horse and foot traffic, the cobbled streets are too narrow for cars. Fez El-Bali, the medina of Fez, is the largest car-free zone in any city in the world. This ancient walled city is one of Morocco's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a rare pleasure to walk around the city, not having to breathe car fumes, and compete only with horses, donkeys and hand-pulled carts!

Fez boasts the world's oldest existing and active university, al-Qarawiyyin, which first opened its doors as a religious school in the year 859 AD. Fes has been, and continues to be a major center of learning in the Arab world. It became the capital of the Moroccan empire in the 13th century, and during this time of prominence, people traveled from all over the world to study with famous philosophers, imams and political leaders.

It is a dual city, with two city centers. The original medina (Fez El-Bali, c. 800) is more the commerce center, and the newer town (Fez Jedid, 1276) is more the center of government.

Fez is the center of culture in Morocco, and is famous for its mutli-ethnic art, sacred music, epicurean delights and traditional crafts. As you walk around the souk and the medina, you can poke your head in any number of artisan cooperatives where they make leather, or wool, or cactus silk, or copper pots, or pottery. Many of these cooperatives are hundreds of years old and operate in the same tradition as their forebears.

As one of the major cities in northern Morocco, it has historically been a major point of entry into Morocco from Europe. During the Muslim and Jewish exodus from Europe (Spain in particular) Fez became a place of tolerance and Jews were instrumental in building the commercial and cultural life. For quite a long time, it was an important center of religious Jewish learning and philosophy. In addition, people came from all over Africa and the Muslim world to attend the University and to this day there is a very international, and tolerant feel, to Fez.

The accommodations in Fez - specifically the Riads - are outstanding.  A Riad is a traditional family dwelling (repurposed into a B&B) which, from the outside, is nothing but a door.... but once you enter through it is a lush oasis of peace and beauty, with fountains and tilework and plants and birds. Fez is famous for its colored glasswork, tile art, silk and copper, which you will find everywhere you go. Fez riads give the traveler a sense of opulent peace and meditation, and are the perfect choice for a full-immersion experience in this wondrous, ancient city.

Whether you're an adventurous eater or not, you will enjoy the incredible variety of food in Fez. There is an amazing mixture of Mediterranean, African, Jewish and Asian flavors, made with great care and pride. Fez is considered the epicurean capital of Morocco for good reason, and it sits in the midst of Morocco's outstanding wine region. (Most of the wine made in Morocco doesn't get exported because it's so good, they want to keep it for themselves.) If you like, schedule a cooking class while you're in Fez and learn to cook some of the delicious, traditional dishes.

A few nights in Fez are included in many of our Morocco Excursions. Marrakesh Voyage specializes in customized, private tours. With over 25 years experience as a tour agent in Morocco, we have a core team of excellent, experienced guides who become your Moroccan family while you're in our magical Kingdom. You give us your travel dates, we'll give you an unforgettable Moroccan journey of a lifetime!

We hope to see you there, Inshallah!