Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Fes, Morocco, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Fes, Morocco, Africa

Fes is the 3^rd largest city of the Northwest African country, Morocco, situated in the northern part of the country. It is the administrative centre of the Fès-Boulemane region and holds two old medinas (old towns), which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popularity of Fes has also expanded by the university, named Al-Qarawiyyin, which is the world’s oldest continually functioning madrasa. Fes also owns the title of one of the largest auto-free urban areas in the globe. All these factors have aided Fes to get the popular titles of the ‘Athens of Africa’ and the ‘Mecca of the West’.

History of Fes:

The name of Fes may be derived from the former name of the Middle Atlas (a mountain near the city), Fazaz, which came from the Berber language. According to the historical records, Idris I was the founder of Fes (789), who was also the founder of Zaydi Shi’ite Idrisid dynasty. Fes was the former capital of Morocco.

How to reach Fes?

Fes is catered by the Fes–Saïss Airport with scheduled flights from Brussels, Charleroi, Barcelona, Montpellier, Casablanca, Paris, Hahn, London, Pisa, Rome and many other Moroccan and foreign destinations. The distance of 15 km between the airport and city can be easily crossed by bus or taxi, which costs 120-150 dirham.

The railway connection of Fes extends to Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat and all other important Moroccan cities. Fes also has good connectivity by bus to all around the country.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Fes:

Fes is one of the cultural centres of Morocco, holding the oldest continually operating madrasa in the world, University of al-Karaouine.

Leathergoods, copper and brassware are the purchasable items in Fes and the famous restaurants in Fes are:

San Remo
Palais des Merinides
Le Palais de Fes

What to do in Fes?

Marrakech Camel Trips
Visiting Cafe Clock Cooking School
Tours 4×4 Morocco
Dunes Line Day Tours

What to see in Fes?

University of al-Karaouine:

Being the oldest continuously functioning university in the world, the University of al-Karaouine is one of the identities of Fes. It was originally established by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 as a school and later it turned into one the important educational centers in the Muslim world.

Bou Inania Madrasa:

The Bou Inania Madrasa was established by Abu Inan Faris in AD 1351–56. Apart from spiritual and educational activities, the madrasa is also famous for its striking Marinid architecture. It was restored in the 18th century.

Ibn Danan Synagogue:

The Ibn Danan Synagogue is a famous synagogue, constructed by a rich merchant Mimoun Ben Sidan in the 17^th century. The synagogue is rich in its both exterior and interior designs.

Zaouia Moulay Idriss II:

The Zaouia Moulay Idriss II is a shrine, devoted to one of the founders of the city, Moulay Idriss II. The shrine was first constructed in the year 1440 by the Marinids and reconstructed by Moulay Ismail in the 18^th century.

Dar al-Magana:

Constructed by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris, the Dar al-Magana is a historic house, especially noted for its heavy water clock. It is located in the vicinity of the Bou Inania Madrasa.

Other places of interest in and around Fes include:

Medina of Fez
Fes el-Bali
Jardin Jnan Sbil
Bab Bou Jeloud
Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts
Glaoui Palace
Kairaouine Mosque
Fontaine Nejjarine
Moulay Abdellah Quarter
Musee des armes
Tombe dei Merenidi
Royal Palace of Fez
Dar Batha Museum
Cherratin Medersa
Palais El Mokri

When to visit Fes?

Fes experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and cold winters. From April to June and September to November is the best time to visit Fes.

Where to stay in Fes?

Being one of the top tourist destinations of Morocco, Fes holds dozens of upgraded hotels that are shared between all parts of the city with superior amenities. Some famous hotels in Fes are as follows: