The Marinides tombs, in a dominant position north of town, afford an exceptional view of Fes: of Karaouiyne Mosque standing out against the medina; of Fes-Djid and the royal palace lined by the mellah (former Jewish quarter); and of the new town wi..

The Fes medina is a great place to explore, and you’ll probably get lost here no matter how good your sense of direction. That’s also part of its charm. A few lines are scarcely enough to evoke all the treasures hidden inside. We urge you to get a co..

Shortly after Bab Jdid you cross the Zitoun River, then join the N 6. The road leads up through an olive grove, nearing the ramparts. The abandoned south borj overlooks an olive wood. There is a lovely view over the city from the foot of its surrou..

The north borj , a powerful fortress from the Saadian period, contains an interesting arms collection, showing the evolution of Moroccan weapons throughout the ages. From the terrace there is a magnificent view overlooking Fes.

Medersas, places of worship and religious instruction, are so numerous - and remarkable - that they constitute a theme unto themselves for a tour of the medina. To the north are the Mesbahiya, Attarine , Seffarine and Cherratine Medersas. To the wes..

A zaouia is a holy place - for teachings and also a sanctuary containing the mortal remains of a saint. At the back of the prayer room here lies the tomb of Moulay Idriss, the father of Fez. Pilgrims can leave an offering for the many beggars outsi..

This area, one of the most attractive in old Fez, was restored with support from the Fondation Mohammed Karim Lamrani for the Nejjarine Complex. At the far end of this well-proportioned square stands the fondouk Neijarine (late17C, housing the Nejj..

You can’t help but be impressed by the virtuosity of the decoration in the Attarine Medersa ( under restoration ), another treasure left by the Marinids. The zellige tiles, sculpted wood and finely worked plaster are a delight to the eyes. This meder..

This jewel, embellished by successful restoration, is also a “model” medersa due to the scrupulous organisation of the place. The prayer room, students’ rooms giving onto inner galleries and the classrooms have been arranged around the central courty..

A narrow passageway leads to a little square shaded by large plane trees and dominated by the high minaret of Zaouia Moulay Idriss. At the stalls here they sell henna leaves, to be dried and ground for dyeing women’s hands and hair, and antimony, u..

The Attarine Souk is a narrow and very lively street for spices prolonging the Talaa and ending at the Attarine medersa . A few rustic clothing shops add a dash of bright colour among the spice stalls.

Dar Batha, southwest of the medina, is a (19C) palace containing two wings with collections of art and folk traditions including Fassi rugs, embroidery and pottery highlighted around the splendid inner garden. A concert during the renowned Festival o..