Fez, boasts of its exemplary architecture, engraved bronze, polychrome carving, beautiful sculpted woodwork, columns and sculpted plasterwork. Andalousian Mosque, Kairaouine Mosque, Sahrij Medersa stand as the pillars of this Islamic land. Fez's mysticism enthralls and enchants all visitors to this land. Divided into three parts, this ancient walled city has enough to see, starting from - Bou Inania medersa (a 14th-century religious college), Merenid Tombs to the ancient roman site of Volubilis. It intrigues all with its rich past sprinkled with French influences. Fez also offers great accommodation; wining and dining facilities to tourists, and is therefore considered as the third largest city in Morocco and demands a visit from all. So hop onto the first flight from Casablanca or take a train from Rabat or simply drive to see what waits for you in Fez.
History of Fez
The city of Morocco was founded in 789 BC by Idriss II. From then the city was inhabited mostly by the Muslims. In 810 BC the Kairouyine mosque was built and till today it remains the largest and also the oldest of mosques in Africa.
Fez was believed to be the largest city from 1170 to 1180 in the world. It was also the nerve center of the Kingdom of Fez. It was the religious and the scientific center where Christians and Muslims from all over Europe came to study. After the reconquest of Spain in the year 1942 there was an exodus of Muslims and it is from then on that their numbers increased.
It was in 1548 that Fez became a part if the Moroccan empire and 1579 marked the completion of the conquests in Morocco that was started by Suleyman the Magnificent. During the time of the Alaouite Dynasty in 1649 Fez became a major trading zone of the Barbary Coast.
Fez had also been the capital of Morocco during different times but this ended in 1912 when the major portion of Morocco came under the influence of the French and Rabat was the choice for becoming the capital of the new colonial empire.
Fez has a very traditional character but there is a modern section as well or the "New City". This has emerged as a bustling trading center. With all these aspects Fez is one of the most picturesque of all the Imperial cities of Morocco.Fez Sightseeing
Fez sightseeing offers a wonderful window into the rich Islamic past. Get steeped in the beauty of Islamic religious tradition as you go sightseeing in Fez, at the significant attractions of Fez, such as:
- Andalusian Mosque, Fez, with its beautifully decorated pulpit or minbar
- Bou Inania Medersa, Fez, one of the few religious places open to non-Muslims visitors and containing magnificent woodwork
- Moulay Abdellah Quarter, Fez, housing two beautiful mosques
- Sahrij Medersa, Fez, a thriving 14th century educational center
- Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, Fez, housing the holy remains of Moulay Idriss II, founder of Fez
- Kairaouine Mosque (Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin), Fez, the largest mosque of North Africa
- Fes el-Jdid, Fez, or New Fez, housing the Royal Palace and Fez Mellah
- Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el Makhzen), Fez, built by the French
- Fez Mellah, Fez, the oldest Jewish quarter in Morocco
- Merenid Tombs, Fez, with its stunning view of Fez
- The Waters of Moulay Yacoub, Fez, with its warm waters having healing properties
- Bab Boujeloud, Fez, the magnificent point of entry to the medina
- Fondouk Tsetouanien, Fez, containing balconies, rugs and leather traders and testimony to the former commercial greatness of Fez
- Attarin Medersa, Fez, housing remarkable Merenid folk-art
- Fes el-Bali, Fez, or Old Fez, a World Heritage-listed site
- University of Karueein, Fez, once housed in Kairaouine Mosque and considered the world's oldest living educational institution
Sightseeing in Fez, you'll discover, is a fascinating spiritual and cultural adventure.Fez Festivals & Events
The Fez Festivals and Events are a source of constant delight not only to the natives but all those who go there for traveling as well. The festivals and the events introduce us to all the different flavors that Fez offers. Among the few festivals held at Fez here are the most important ones. Any traveler will find a certain sense of mysticism associated with the cultural aspects of Fez.
The Hassan II Trophy, Rabat
The Hassan II Trophy is one of the most revered of Golf tournaments held at Fez. It is an event that marks the passion of the people of Morocco about this particular sport. Rabat is full of lush greenery and the Royal Dar Es Salam Golf Club here has added on to the prestige of the trophy.
Fez World Sacred Music Festival
This is also a famous festival which feels the beauty of devotional music. Performers from all over the globe come here to display their talent. Be it Rajasthan, France or Spain Fez becomes a merging point of different cultures during this festival.
Cherry Festival, Fez
This is celebrated during the harvesting season of cherries. One can taste the fruit as much as they like as it is found in abundance. There is no entry fee for this festival and it ends with choosing a Cherry Queen at the end of it.
Getting There
Fez in Morocco is an exotic place that will enchant you with its ancient heritage, colorful noisy markets and beautiful landscape. Any traveler needs to know about how to get to Fez, is easy as it is accessible by all modes of transport.
By air:
Getting to Fez by air is easy way though it is possible nowadays only because of the construction of Fez airport. Regular flights from Casablanca and Paris-Orly to Fez airport are operated daily.
By Train:
You can also get to Fez by trains, as there are regular train services to the city operated by state-run ONCF.
By car:
Getting to Fez by car is another easy and cheap option of traveling to the city. One can get to Fez from Casablanca by a 4-hour drive or you can also hire a grand taxi though little bit expensive.
Hotels in Fez
