Fez, Morocco: 13 Interesting Attractions to Visit

Morocco is a famous tourist destination that attracts many people worldwide. Its location is unique because it overlooks the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean and has plenty of beautiful beaches.

Travelling to Morocco is a unique experience that will significantly benefit tourists. It is a mixture of absolute pleasure and an unforgettable experience because it combines developed urban cities and incredible desert monuments where tourists can explore the remnants of past civilisations.

Moreover, its view of the Atlas Mountains attracts more tourists who like to practise winter sports. At the same time, the Kingdom’s development and prosperity have led to the building of arenas for sports such as golf, equestrian activities, and wild animal hunting.

More About Morocco

Morocco lies northwest of Africa. Its capital is Rabat. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from Spain on the European continent, with a distance of only 13 km.

Morocco contains many famous cities, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir and Fez. Today, we will talk about one of these cities, Fez, which contains many beautiful attractions, and how to enjoy your stay there. So let us discover this beautiful city in Morocco.

More Information about Fez

Fez is the second-biggest city in Morocco after Casablanca. It was founded in 789 by Idris II. It is divided into three parts: Fez Al-Bali, the old city, New Fez, built in the 13th century, and the new French-built town.

It is located in Morocco’s northern region. Mount Thagat and Mount Zalagh surround it, as well as forests, agricultural lands, and water springs.

Visitors can enjoy strolling through its old alleys and discovering its unique features, such as the Moroccan-style gates and the dyeing pools scattered in the Shawara terraces.

Origin of the Name Fez

Fez refers to the word axe in Arabic, and the city was named that way when Idris I entered Morocco with his army to escape the Ottoman Empire’s despotism and used an axe to draw the line of the city’s border.

It was the capital of Morocco until 1925, and now the city is the capital of the Fez-Meknes region.

The Best Time to Visit Fez

The best time to visit the city is between March and May when the weather is moderate, but on the other hand, it is a high tourism season, so it will be more crowded and expect higher rates.

Attractions to Visit in Fez

Entering this ancient city of Fez resembles entering the One Thousand- and One-Nights’ tales with its magnificent palaces and museums steeped in history.

Fez’s archaeological landmarks resemble its long civilisation throughout the Islamic ages. Among the significant remains of these monuments are a wall and eight gates, with beautiful arches, inscriptions and central perforations above them, dating back to the Marinids era.

Fez is distinguished by its palaces, built by the Marinids on the hills overlooking the rest of the city. Old two-storey houses surround narrow courtyards covered with ceramic mosaic fillings and doors decorated with engraved plaster motifs; gardens and orchards surround some homes.

Dar Batha Museum

Sultan Moulay Abdel Aziz built Dar Al-Batha as a palace in 1897, and then, in 1915, it was transformed into a museum. It contains 6,000 pieces, including manuscripts, copper, marbles, coins, etc.

Inside the museum is a brick room with fabulous blue tiles tinted with bright silver. Besides that, you will find an oasis full of tall palm trees in the backyard.

Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque

Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is Fez and Morocco’s most important religious and historical attraction. It was built in 859 by Fatima Bint Muhammad Al-Fihri and was named after the Qarawiyyin neighbourhood inhabited by refugees from Kairouan.

The mosque has 17 doors and two pavilions meeting at both ends of the courtyard in the middle of the mosque. It is decorated with a solar clock, chandeliers, a judge’s cabin, and a wide mihrab.

Bab Bou Jeloud

Fez contains many beautiful gates, including Bab Bou Jeloud, located at the old city’s entrance on the northwest side and next to Al-Basha Al-Baghdadi Square. Going there is bound to enjoy exploring the old part of the city and taking some beautiful pictures next to the old gate.

The City Wall

Another important attraction in Fez is the city wall, dating back to Al-Nasser Al-Moahady’s era between 1199 and 1213. It surrounds Fez and is interspersed with many gates named after the period of Idrisid and Zenatite rule in Morocco, such as Bab Al-Futuh and Bab al-Hamra.

Tazekka National Park

The Berbers founded Tazekka National Park in the 5th century, and it was a fort to protect the road to the fertile lands of the West. The park is full of cork trees and cedars, and you can also climb Mount Tazika to enjoy the view of those enchanting forests from a height of 1,980 metres.

Borj Nord

Borj Nord is a magnificent attraction outside the city. You can go up a hill to see a beautiful view of the city and explore a castle from the 16th century. There, you will find a museum with a collection of scarce collectables and weapons from all over the world.

Janan Sbil Gardens

Janan Sbil Gardens are excellent for relaxation and a peaceful break outside Fez and the crowded sites. It includes colourful flowers, beautiful palm trees, cacti, and other tropical plants for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Royal Palace of Fez

The Royal Palace of Fez is across from the Jewish Quarter. It used to be a residence for the sultan and became a place for many government officials. Visitors can’t enter the palace, but it looks beautiful from the outside, and its gates attract visitors who always take pictures in front of it.

Mosque of the Andalusians

The Mosque of the Andalusians was built in 860 and has a stunning urban pattern. You can enter the mosque through beautifully decorated gates with zellij, where you will find an astonishing ceiling covered with carved wood.

The reason behind naming the mosque as such is the presence of a group of Andalusians who lived around Fez and helped construct the mosque. The Andalusian Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful monuments and timeless masterpieces. The mosque was designed in the same style as the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Morocco.

The chapel ceiling distinguishes it, and it is considered an immortal artistic monument because of the beauty of its inscriptions and mosaics on its glass windows, which combine various beautiful colours.

Fes el-Bali

Fes el-Bali is the oldest district in Fez and the most significant ancient city in the world, having retained its original form until now. While walking, you can see a lighthouse and Bou Inani School.

The city’s branching streets are divided into two areas, separated by a meandering river. There are also historical monuments and markets where you can take lovely pictures.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is in Nejjarine, surrounded by metalwork workshops. The place is famous for its Moroccan wood crafts, and you will see that in the engraved granary doors, ornate state treasuries, and mashrabiya window frames.

Al-Attarine Market

Al-Attarine is an antique market in Fez. It is in the centre of Fes el-Bali, the old city, and is close to the Qarawiyyin Mosque. It includes shops for apothecaries, where medicinal plants emit intoxicating scents.

It is considered the busiest market in the city. Traditional medicines were sold there in the past, but today, it has two large gates that close in the evening.

Souk el Henna in Fez

Souk el Henna is an old market in Fez where cosmetics such as kohl, rose water, black soap, henna, and much more are sold. While visiting the market, you will find that the sellers are herbalists who mix up potions for your specific needs based on your request.

Not only is henna sold in the market, but you can also buy many other things like handmade tiles, silver jewellery, books, wooden utensils, perfumes, beauty products, etc.

Conclusion

Fez might not be a well-known city in Morocco, but it has attractions that tourists enjoy visiting, whether markets, parks or even ancient spots. You will love exploring every part of the city and have a wonderful, unforgettable experience.