Fez – Morocco’s Spiritual and Cultural Heart

A Medina Frozen in Time

The Fez el-Bali medina, the oldest walled part of the city, is the largest car-free urban area in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a labyrinth of over 9,000 narrow alleyways where life continues much as it has for centuries. Inside the medina, you’ll find bustling souks, artisan workshops, historic madrasas, and ancient mosques.

The Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa stand as magnificent examples of Islamic architecture, adorned with intricate stucco, carved cedarwood, and colorful zellige tiles.

The Cradle of Learning

Fez is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri. Recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing and continually operating university in the world, it was a major center of learning in the Islamic world during the Middle Ages.

Fez also houses many zaouias (Islamic shrines), including the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the city’s founder and a revered saint, which draws pilgrims from across the country.

Ancient Crafts and Leather Tanneries

Fez is famous for its traditional crafts, particularly its leather goods. The Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest in the world, is a must-see. From elevated terraces, visitors can observe craftsmen dyeing leather in vibrant natural pigments using age-old techniques that date back to medieval times.

Other artisanal specialties include mosaic tilework, copperware, and silk weaving—skills passed down through generations.

An Immersive, Timeless Experience

Unlike Morocco’s more modern cities, Fez offers an experience deeply rooted in tradition. Visitors stay in beautifully restored riads, dine on home-cooked Moroccan cuisine, and explore a city where time seems to stand still.

Fez is a city for those who seek a deeper connection with Moroccan heritage—a place of learning, spirituality, and artisanal excellence.