Must Visit Landmarks in Fes and the Stories Behind Them
Words by
Fatima El Amrani
Walking Through the Must Visit Landmarks in Fes
I have lived in Fes my entire life, and every morning when I step into the medina, I still feel the same awe I felt as a child. The must visit landmarks in Fes are not just tourist attractions, they are the living, breathing heart of a city that has been a center of learning, craftsmanship, and spiritual life for over a thousand years. If you want to understand Fes, you have to walk its streets slowly, listen to the call to prayer echoing from its minarets, and let the stories of each place unfold around you.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin: Where Knowledge Never Stopped
Standing in the Place Seffarine, just off the main Tala'a Kebira thoroughfare, you will find the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. This is the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and it still functions as both a mosque and a center of Islamic learning. The courtyard is breathtaking, with its green-tiled roof, carved cedar wood, and marble columns. Inside the library, you can see manuscripts that date back to the 9th century, including a Quran written on camel skin.
The Vibe? A quiet, sacred space where scholars still gather, and the weight of over a millennium of learning presses gently on your shoulders.
The Bill? Entry to the mosque is restricted to Muslims, but the library opened to visitors in 2016, and you can view the courtyard and exterior freely.
The Standout? The restored library, where you can see original manuscripts that predate most European universities by centuries.
The Catch? Photography inside the library is not allowed, and the opening hours are limited, so check ahead.
Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the light hits the courtyard and the crowds thin out. Ask a local guide from Place Seffarine to explain the history of the coppersmiths who have worked in this square for generations, their hammers still ringing as they have for centuries.
The Chouara Tannery: Fes Architecture in Its Rawest Form
The Chouara Tannery, located in the Ain Azliten area near the Oued Fes, is one of the most photographed spots in the city, and for good reason. The sight of the circular stone vats filled with dyes, workers standing waist-deep in them, is unforgettable. The smell is intense, so locals will hand you mint leaves to hold under your nose. The leather produced here is still dyed using the same methods that have been used since the 11th century.
The Vibe? Overwhelming at first, the smell hits you before anything else, but once you adjust, the colors and the rhythm of the work become mesmerizing.
The Bill? Free to view from the surrounding rooftops, though shop owners may expect you to browse their leather goods afterward.
The Standout? Watching the workers dip hides into the vats of indigo, saffron, and poppy, colors that have defined Fes leather for centuries.
The Catch? The smell is genuinely strong, and some visitors feel uncomfortable with the working conditions, which, while traditional, are harsh.
Local Tip: Go in the morning, before 10 AM, when the light is best and the workers are most active. Ask for a mint sprig from the shop owner, it helps, and it is a gesture of respect to engage with the workers, they are proud of their craft.
Bab Boujloud: The Blue Gate to the Medina
Bab Boujloud, the iconic blue gate at the western entrance to Fes el-Bali, is the most recognizable symbol of the city. Built in 1913 during the French Protectorate period, it blends Moorish and Andalusian styles, with its blue tiles on the outside facing the medina and green tiles on the city side. Walking through this gate is like stepping back in time, as the narrow streets beyond have barely changed in centuries.
The Vibe? A threshold between the modern city and the ancient medina, a moment of transition that feels almost ceremonial.
The Bill? Free to walk through, though you will likely be approached by guides offering tours.
The Standout? The intricate tile work, which uses the same patterns found throughout the city's mosques and madrasas.
The Catch? The area around the gate is crowded with vendors and guides, so be prepared for persistent offers of help.
Local Tip: Visit at sunset, when the light turns the blue tiles golden, and the call to prayer echoes from the nearby Bou Inania Madrasa. The gate is a perfect starting point for a walk down Tala'a Kebira, the main artery of the medina.
Bou Inania Madrasa: A Masterpiece of Fes Architecture
The Bou Inania Madrasa, located on the Tala'a Kebira, is one of the most stunning examples of Marinid architecture in the city. Built in the 14th century by Sultan Abu Inan Faris, it served as both a school and a mosque, and its courtyard is a symphony of carved stucco, zellige tilework, and cedar wood. The minaret, visible from the street, is one of the few in Fes that is open to non-Muslims.
The Vibe? A quiet, contemplative space where the craftsmanship speaks louder than any guidebook.
The Bill? 20 dirhams for entry, a small price for one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
The Standout? The water clock in the courtyard, a mechanical marvel that still functions, though its inner workings are no longer visible to the public.
The Catch? The space is small, and it can feel crowded during peak tourist hours.
Local Tip: Visit on a Friday, when the madrasa is less crowded and you can hear the call to prayer from the minaret. The nearby Funduq al-Najjarin, just a few steps away, is another example of the same architectural style, and its carved cedar door is worth a look.
The Merenid Tombs: A View Over the City
The Merenid Tombs, located on the hills north of the medina, offer one of the best panoramic views of Fes. These 14th-century ruins, once the burial site of the Merenid dynasty, are now a popular spot for sunset viewing. The view stretches across the entire medina, with its thousands of minarets and rooftops, and the light at golden hour is spectacular.
The Vibe? A quiet, reflective space where the city spreads out below you, and the history of the dynasty that built much of the medina is palpable.
The Bill? Free to visit, though local boys may offer to guide you for a small tip.
The Standout? The view of the medina at sunset, when the city glows gold and the call to prayer rises from every direction.
The Catch? The climb up is steep, and the area is not well-maintained, so wear good shoes.
Local Tip: Go in the late afternoon, and bring a scarf for the wind. The tombs are also a great spot to see the city's cats, which gather here in the evening.
The Dar Batha Museum: A Palace of Fes Architecture
The Dar Batha Museum, located in the French-built Ville Nouvelle, is a former palace turned museum of traditional arts and crafts. Built in the 19th century, it houses a collection of ceramics, woodwork, and textiles that showcase the city's artistic heritage. The courtyard garden, with its orange trees and fountain, is a peaceful retreat from the medina's chaos.
The Vibe? A calm, elegant space where the city's artistic traditions are preserved and displayed with care.
The Bill? 10 dirhams for entry, a bargain for the quality of the collection.
The Standout? The collection of blue pottery, which is still made in the city today, and the carved cedar doors that are original to the palace.
The Catch? The museum is small, and some exhibits lack detailed explanations in English.
Local Tip: Visit in the morning, when the garden is quiet and the light is best for photography. The museum is also a good place to learn about the city's zellige tilework, which you will see throughout the medina.
The Mellah: Fes's Jewish Quarter
The Mellah, located in the eastern part of the medina, is the historic Jewish quarter of Fes. Once home to a thriving Jewish community, it is now a quiet neighborhood with a distinct architecture, including balconies and windows that face outward, unlike the inward-facing Muslim houses. The Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest in Morocco, is still standing, and the Jewish cemetery, with its white tombs, is a poignant reminder of the community that once lived here.
The Vibe? A quiet, melancholic space where the history of coexistence and departure is written in the architecture.
The Bill? Free to walk through, though the synagogue may require a small donation.
The Standout? The Danan Synagogue, with its restored interior and the stories of the community that maintained it for centuries.
The Catch? The area is less maintained than other parts of the medina, and some buildings are in disrepair.
Local Tip: Visit in the morning, when the light is best for photography, and ask a local guide to explain the history of the community. The nearby gold souk is also worth a visit, as it was historically run by Jewish merchants.
The Andalusian Quarter: A Different Side of Fes
The Andalusian Quarter, located in the western part of the medina, is a quieter, more residential area that reflects the influence of the Andalusian Muslims who settled here after the Reconquista. The streets are narrower, the houses more modest, and the atmosphere more intimate. The Andalusian Mosque, one of the oldest in the city, is a simple but beautiful structure that predates many of the more famous monuments.
The Vibe? A peaceful, lived-in space where the city's history is not just preserved but still unfolding.
The Bill? Free to walk through, though the mosque is not open to non-Muslims.
The Standout? The quiet streets, where you can see daily life in the medina without the tourist crowds.
The Catch? There are fewer shops and cafes, so it is easy to feel lost without a guide.
Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, when the light is golden and the streets are quiet. The nearby Andalusian gardens are a good place to rest, and the local bakeries sell some of the best bread in the city.
The Kissaria: The Heart of the Medina's Commerce
The Kissaria, located near the Qarawiyyin Mosque, is the historic commercial heart of the medina. This covered market, with its narrow alleys and high ceilings, has been the center of trade for centuries. You will find everything from spices to textiles, and the atmosphere is a sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds.
The Vibe? A chaotic, vibrant space where the city's commercial life is on full display.
The Bill? Free to browse, though you will be expected to haggle if you buy.
The Standout? The spice sellers, who will explain the uses of everything from saffron to cumin, and the textile merchants, who sell fabrics that have been woven in the city for generations.
The Catch? The alleys are narrow and crowded, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
Local Tip: Visit in the morning, when the market is less crowded and the light is best. The nearby Funduq al-Najjarin is a good place to rest and take in the architecture.
When to Go and What to Know
The best time to visit Fes is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the medina is less crowded. Summer is hot, and winter can be rainy, but the city is beautiful in any season. Always wear comfortable shoes, as the medina's streets are uneven and steep. Carry small bills for tips and purchases, and be prepared to haggle in the souks. Respect the local customs, especially around mosques and religious sites, and always ask before photographing people. Fes is a city that rewards patience and curiosity, so take your time, get lost, and let the stories of each place find you.
Enjoyed this guide? Support the work
