Are you wondering why the hype is all about visiting Fez and walking through its centuries old alleys? Spoiler alert! In this article, we will walk you through four reasons why Fez should be on your Moroccan bucket list.
Fez, the cultural labyrinth of Morocco and the Athens of Africa is one of the world’s most preserved ancient cities. Nestled in the heart of Morocco some two centuries before Marrakech, the northern Moroccan jewel is a much laid-back touristic destination compared to the vibrant Red City. Fez welcomes you to experience an authentic art of living among the locals without feeling like a foreigner.
If you happen to be a person of a secret admiration for architectural marvels, ancient preserved history, hospitable communities and rich scents of lively cultures, Fez is your destination. The city’s poetically numerous museums, fictionally almost innumerable maze-like alleys, subdued palaces lying hidden among mountains of bricks and stones, and its magnificent fusion between the traditional and the innovative artistry makes you venture in a world of newly discovered affinities. Without further ado, let us unveil the reasons why Fez should be on you Moroccan bucket list.
Architectural Marvels
Founded in 789CE under the rule of Idriss I, Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco. The city, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, is a widely reputed destination for being a meeting point for scholars from all around the globe. The historical significance and the Architectural Marvels of such destination easily make for the top of the 5 reasons why Fez should be on your Moroccan bucket list.
With that being said, it is only natural for a world heritage city to be home to the world’s oldest degree-granting university, recognized by the Guinness World Records, Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 895CE by Fatima Al-Fihria, and a grand selection of some of the world’s oldest buildings.
With some more than 9000 streets and alleys, it is very common to get lost inside a maze of tightly wrapped buildings, hidden castles and centuries old mosques and museums. As you cruise around the old medina, you are diving in the midst of an open-air museum left accessible to the public.
Do not hesitate to visit two of the most inspiring madrasas in the old medina: Madrasa al-Attarine (built in 1325CE) and Bou Inania Madrasa (founded between 1350CE and 1357CE). The intricate designs of the two schools will keep you in awe of the Islamic architecture. From the carved cedar wood, the sculpted stuccowork to the traditional zellij tile work, the old medina is absolutely a mesmerising sight to look at.
Are you interested in a hauntingly ornate historical site overlooking the city of Fez? The Marinid Tombs, dating back to the 14th century, are a historical landmark of the city sitting on the Jebel Zerhoun Hill far from the bustling streets of the old medina. To add to their mystery, the tombs are rumoured to contain official documents that have not been dug to discover as a means of preserving the site. They offer a breathtaking view of the city, nonetheless, and a unique spot for photographers.
Outside the walls of the old medina, near the royal palace, you will be transported to an eminently different layout of the city initially built by Moroccan Jews called Mellah or the Jewish Quarter. In the Jewish Quarter, buildings are no longer hugging each other and the breeze is easily flowing through the large windows and the open balconies. The quarter is distinct from the rest as it does not follow the same layout of the typically subdued Moroccan Riads, as a means of respecting modesty teachings of Islam.
Exotic Atmosphere
Be a local or a foreigner, one of the marvels of Fez’s old medina is its exotic atmosphere and one of a kind medieval experience. None of this could have been possible without the people who have maintained the centuries old traditional artisanship and artisanal activities. From pottery, leatherwork, metalwork to textile production, each section and souk of the old medina is celebrating a particular art form.
You walk through the stalls of the Seffarine and you can still witness artisans sweating their life away creating the famous Fassi brass and metal teapots, lanterns, trays, lamps and a lot more.
The alleys are bustled with mules and donkeys shuttling between the plethora of woodcarvers, leather artisans, silk weavers, embroiderers and tanneries. Do not be alarmed when you hear a “balak!” coming from behind. When put in situation like that, and you most likely will, instantaneously, you should stick closer to the wall and wait for a donkey or a mule piled high with animal hide to walk in front of you.
Cruise around the alleys of the medina and you will come across the 11th century Chouara Tannery; one of the most famous tanneries sites in the history of Morocco. For centuries without end, the Chouara Tannery has kept its titled as the top traditional places for treating animal hides and now regarded as one of the three most famous tanneries in Fez.
From producing and dyeing leather to becoming a huge touristic attraction, in the Chouara Tannery, you will be amazed by the huge colourful field of vats where experienced workers treat animal hides until ready to be turned into wallets, handbags, shoes, furniture and more.
The smell, however, is not your best friend in such a literally ‘breath-taking’ landmark. Rest assured though, as with the help of the freshly picked mint leaves, you will have a pleasant experience witnessing the bare-chested men diving into their everyday labour-intensive process of making something wearable out of pure natural gifts.
The Well-Being Culture
The old medina welcomes you to a world of sophistication, subdued castles, narrow streets and steep stairways. What must keep you in awe of its marvels, however, is its traditional spas, commonly known as Hammams. The culture of taking care of oneself and sparing time to wind up is crucial for the Fassi community.
Be it a public bathing-house or a splendid, luxurious spa at your hotel, you must experience the rituals of a Fassi Hammam where body and beauty are treated as the highest form of the human existence.
The oriental experience must start with a massage to put your body in the mood for what comes next. Joined by a professional female to assist you through the process, first your body must be covered in locally-sourced, and completely organic, savon noir (black soap) which helps with the second step: exfoliation. Using a glove-like scrubber called ‘Kis’, the woman assisting you helps scrubbing your body until fully exfoliated and ridden from all the death skin. It truly is a spiritual experience more than it is a means of maintaining cleanness.
The Flavourful Cuisine
The Fassi cuisine carries the heritage of an Arab-Andalusian imprint which lasted ever since the 13th century. While Jemaa el-Fnaa, with all its hustle and bustle, gets a lot of attention for the steaming and mouth-watering food it displays (and rightfully so), the Fassi cuisine offers a range of sweet and savoury combinations unmatched any other.
The food scene in Fez is the perfection addition to your strolls. As you push through the labyrinth of the streets, make sure to try the famous ‘Chicken Pastilla’, a flaky pastry covered with powdered sugar and stuffed with chicken, almonds and a range of cunning spices easily making your mouth explode with flavours.
The real high of street foods in the old medina, however, is the famous local delicacy ‘Steamed Meat Sandwich’. Not a so very complicated range of ingredients, enjoy a sandwich filled with steamy meat cooked to perfection with a dash of cumin, salt and hot pepper to spice it up a bit.
This is Fez in a nutshell, it is not your ordinary touristic destination but a lively place such as this medieval city should make your travels stand out among any other places you have ever visited. Make sure to check the Best Things to Do and See in Fez to enrich your take on Fez’s old medina. If you ever feel lost, here is why you should consider hiring a local tour guide in Fez.
