The Medina of Fez is one of the most mythical and beautiful places to visit in Morocco. Founded in the 9th century by Idriss the 1st, it was for a long time the capital of Morocco. Fez was and still known as one of the imperial cities of Morocco with rich culture and history witch places it as a spiritual center of Morocco.

What is a “Medina”

Literally, “Medina” means city in Arabic (مدينة) but the word is used in English to refer to the old towns of Islamic cities that are surrounded by defensive walls. In Morocco Medinas exist in almost all the cities especially the imperial cities like Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat, ….

The medinas in Morocco are known to be structures as labyrinths with narrow streets and alleys. One of the purposes of that characteristic is defensive, that makes navigation into the city very hard to any invader. But that does not mean that the medinas are not organized. Every single neighborhood have a mosque, a communal oven, a hammam, a school (Madrasah) and a fountain.

History of the Medina of Fez

Founded more that 1200 years ago by Idriss 1st on the right bank of the river that now runs through it, the medina of Fez went into multiple changes in governance, many transformations and wall reconstruction. It grew until reaching more than 300 neighborhoods and more than 9000 streets and alleys. In the era of Idriss the 2nd, the city of Fez became the capital of Morocco and receives refugees from Andalusian Cordoba.

Under the rule of Berber Berber dynasties of the Almoravids (1062–1145) and Almohads (1145–1248), the capital city of Morocco was moved to Marrakech. But in the period of Marinides which begins in 1248, the city regained its importance and begins a new “golden-age”.

The Medina of Fez known also known as Fes El Bali (Literally “the old Fez”) knew an extension with the construction of Fez El Jdid (Literally “the new Fez”) 500 years later. Later and after the fall of the Al Andalous in Spain, Jewish community moved from the old Medina to the new one, which leads to the exponential growth of the new Medina.

In the modern era, and under the rule of the King Mohammed the 6th, the Medina of Fez knew many restorations (street restorations, monument restorations). It’s now one of the oldest old towns of the world and it was registered in the UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1981.

Medina of Fez now

The Medina of Fez, is now one of the most visited places in Morocco. With it’s streets, artisans, mosques and gardens, the visiter dives into a medieval age atmosphere. The Medina of Fez is now full of restored traditional building which are converted in Riads that tourists can rent for a period of time. The managers of those building provides also a lot of touristic services.

Also, there is many hotels just in the limits of the Medina, providing a panoramic view of the old town from their roof tops and cafes.

The Medina of Fez still until now full of its residents, and houses many handcraft places like “Seffarin” or “Debaghin” where artisans work on there beautiful Moroccan handicrafts in front of the passers-by using old tools and medieval manufacturing methods.

Authentic experience

The Medina of Fez in far from being a museum without people. The Medina remains a leaving earthy, town with almost 200.000 residents. The area still a car-free zone where you can freely enjoy walking into its narrow streets and places.

If you visit this old city of Fez, you should not miss visiting places like:

• The university of AL QUARAOUIYINE, the world’s oldest university that still operating until now according to the UNESCO and Guinness World Records. It was founded in 859 and it’s attached to a mosque. While the entrance is restricted to non Muslims for some areas, there is some areas where everyone can access, like the library of the university.
• Dar Batha museum is a unique place, it was build in the 19th century as a summer palace but it was turned into a museum in 1915. It exposes an excellent collection of Moroccan traditional art and crafts.
• Madrasa Bouanania is a school (Madrasa in Arabic means school) that was built in the middle of 1300s. It has an enormous entrance door and inside it is full of colorful geometric tile-work, carved plaster and beautiful carved woodwork made of cedar.
• World-famous tanneries of Fez: here you can discover on of the world’s oldest tanneries where leather is being tanned using medieval methods until now. Hundreds of earthen pits full of various natural and colored dye which is used to color animal skins.

What to buy in the Medina of Fez

Fez is known as a hub of traditional Moroccan handcrafts. From leather to woodwork, the souks and the streets of the Medina are full of shops and workshops where all types of handicrafts are exposed.

• Carpets: carpets are one of the most popular items to buy in Morocco in general.
• Leather poufs: As mentioned before, the tanneries of Fez are famous for their products. You will find genuine leather poufs with Moroccan decoration in all the colors and designs.
• Leather accessories: The tanneries of Fez don’t produce only poufs, you can find also hand bags, leather backpacks, sandals, and much more.
• Traditional Moroccan food: As you walk through the streets of the Medina of Fez you will notice many shops selling Moroccan traditional sweets or traditional Moroccan food. Don’t hesitate you will be surprised by the flavors.