Fez: 3 must-see attractions

Tourist attractions

What to see in Fez?

The Medina
Average visit duration: 1/2 days

The Medina

Regarded as the Moroccan cultural capital, Fez is mostly known for its fortified Medina, which is the biggest in all of the Maghreb and home to most of its Cultural Institutions. In the Bab Jou-Jeloud district, accessible by the superb door of the same name covered in blue and green earthenware, you can stroll through the narrow Medieval streets, walk past the sublime ornamentations of the Bou Inania medersa, discover the Karaouyine mosque, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the Muslim world, or visit the Bar Batah museum, which is dedicated to the different art and traditions of the city.

Julia's tip : At the end of the day, cross the northern gate of the Medina and climb up to the heights of the tombs of the Merinids. It’s the perfect spot for sunsets.

The tannery district
Average visit duration: 2 hours

The tannery district

Leather manufacturing is an ancestral art in Morocco. In Fez, the visitors will be able to observe the manufacturing process, a real show orchestrated in the manner of a ballet: The drying of hides, tanning, hanging, colouring in the tanks, until their final version in the leather goods shops.

Julia's tip : If the visit to this district is interesting and informative, it can quickly become uncomfortable because of the unpleasant smells. A little tip: fill your nostrils with fresh mint leaves

Bou Inania Medersa, Fes
Average visit duration: 1 hour

Bou Inania Medersa, Fes

Built during the Merinids Dynasty in 1350, this religious university is well worth a detour when visiting Fez, as it is one of the only religious monuments open to all the public. The architecture and decoration of the monument are characteristic of the Moorish Arab style, with a beautiful central courtyard paved with marble and surrounded by carved wooden Moucharabiehs (a sort of oriel bay window.) Upstairs, you can still visit the rooms where the students stayed. The rules in religious boarding schools were very strict in the past. During exam periods, students were only fed with bread, olives and water. The Medersa is the largest in the city, and also serves as a Mosque for those who on Fridays, it is also the only Koranic school with a Minaret that overlooks the city.

Julia's tip : Visit it with a guide to fully appreciate the architecture and to grasp the historical importance of the place.