In Short Home of the famous red hat by the same name, Fes (often spelt “Fez”) is the second largest city in Morocco, with about 1 million people, two old towns––one of which is a UNESCO site––and a bustling, commercial new town. Since becoming a settling place for Arabs in the 8th century CE, this former imperial city has been home to large populations of Spaniards, Jews, and Turks, even falling, at one time, to the Ottoman Empire. Its position at the end of the Timbuktu gold route made Fes a major trading post, further diversifying the city. The prestigious universities and libraries that followed, along with the various places of worship, led Fes to be known as the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Still considered a hot destination, even among Moroccans, Fes receives about 1 million visitors a year. In short, Fes is unique in a very Moroccan way, but it’s very different from all other Moroccan cities.
Highlights Cordoned off by historical ramparts, the old town of Fes el Bali is believed to be the largest completely car-free urbanarea in the world. Whether because of this, or because it houses such valuable monuments as Jamaa Al-Karaouine, the oldest functioning university in the world, UNESCO has named Fes el Bali a world heritage site. Fes Jdid, the newer medina, has one of the country’s oldest Jewish quarters, dating back to the 15th century CE. Many of the old structures in this area are currently being restored as part of a UNESCO project to preserve the feel of medieval Fes. Some of the most impressive sites in the city are the mosques, synagogues, churches, and religious schools; they don’t call it the spiritual capital for nothing. Otherwise, you can visit the city founder’s tomb at Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, the Royal palace, La Galerie Mohamed Kacimi for art, and Dar al-Magana, the incredibly intricate 14th century water clock. In the end, though, the most important things to see in Fes, besides the ramparts, are the souks, tanneries, and artisan quarters. Although you’ll find these in every major Moroccan city, the ones in Fes are some of the most impressive.
Special Events Most notable among Fes’s many special events are the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, which takes place every June, the Culinary Arts Festival in October, and the Fes Jazz in Riad festival also in October.
Day tip from Fes connects well with the small, central cities and villages of Morocco. Because of this, our itineraries usually package Fes with Volubilis Midelt, Erfoud, Ifrane, Meknes, and Merzouga. Fes is also only a 2-hour drive from Rabat and a 3-hour drive from Casablanca. The city has an international airport and a train station that runs east-west. If any of these stops interests you and you cannot find it in one of the itineraries below, one of our representatives would be very happy to help you schedule it into your trip.
Cynab Voyages has special relationships with following hotels and Riads: