9th Century
The Founding of Fez
Founded by Idris I and developed by Idris II, Fez became an important centre for trade, religion and scholarship.
THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO · DISCOVER FEZ
Fez:
The Spiritual Heart of Morocco
Discover the imperial city of Morocco, where centuries of history, scholarship and craftsmanship live on in winding medina streets, grand madrasas and timeless traditional markets.
34°02′ N · 5°00′ W — FEZ
Welcome to Imperial Morocco
A Medina Rooted in History and Heritage
Located in northern Morocco, Fez is one of the country’s four imperial cities and a historic centre of religion, learning and traditional craftsmanship.
Founded in the 9th century, Fez grew into a major centre of scholarship and trade. Its medina preserves the legacy of dynasties, scholars, artisans and generations of residents.
Today, Fez is celebrated for its remarkable medina, historic monuments, lively souks, traditional workshops and enduring cultural identity.
UNESCOWorld Heritage
1,200+Years of History
ImperialMoroccan Medina
An Imperial Legacy
The History of Fez
Explore the story of a city shaped by Idrisid beginnings, powerful Moroccan dynasties and centuries of learning.
Medieval Era
A Centre of Learning
Fez attracted scholars, merchants and students from across the region, building a reputation as one of the great intellectual centres of the Islamic world.
13th–14th Century
The Marinid Golden Age
Under the Marinid dynasty, Fez experienced a remarkable period of architectural and cultural development, with the construction of madrasas and public buildings.
16th–17th Century
Saadian and Alaouite Eras
Fez continued to play an important role in Moroccan political and cultural life through changing dynasties and periods of renewal.
1981
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The medina of Fez was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding historic and cultural value.
Today
A Living Imperial City
Fez remains a vibrant centre of Moroccan identity, where traditional crafts, historic architecture and everyday life continue side by side.
Must-See Historical Places
Explore the Heritage of Fez
Discover the monuments, madrasas, gates and historic streets that reveal the soul of Morocco’s spiritual capital.
Historic Architecture
Bou Inania Madrasa
Admire one of Fez’s finest Marinid madrasas, known for its intricate zellij, carved cedar wood and finely decorated stucco.
UNESCO Heritage
Fes el-Bali
Lose yourself in the remarkable medieval medina, a maze of lanes, souks, fondouks and historic neighbourhoods.
Religious Heritage
Al Quaraouiyine Mosque
Founded in the 9th century, Al Quaraouiyine is one of Fez’s most important religious and scholarly landmarks.
Traditional Craft
Chouara Tanneries
Discover the traditional leather-making process at one of the most famous historic tanneries in the old medina of Fez.
Historic Gardens
Jnan Sbil Garden
A peaceful historic garden between the old city and Fes Jdid, with shaded paths, water features and mature trees.
Historic Gate
Bab Boujloud
One of Fez's most famous gates, known for its distinctive blue and green decoration and its lively surroundings.
Gardens and Artisan Heritage
A Medina of Craftsmanship
Fez is renowned for its skilled artisans and centuries-old traditions. Explore the workshops and discover the techniques passed down through generations.
- Bou Inania Madrasa – a masterpiece of Marinid architecture.
- Chouara Tanneries – a remarkable window into traditional leatherwork.
- Jnan Sbil Garden – a green retreat beside the medina.
- Borj Nord – a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the old city.
Discover the Character of Fez
Fez Beyond the Medina
Discover peaceful gardens, panoramic viewpoints, traditional workshops and historic neighbourhoods.
Historic Garden
Jnan Sbil Garden
Take a relaxing walk through landscaped paths, fountains and shaded green spaces.
Panoramic Viewpoint
Borj Nord
Enjoy sweeping views across the rooftops and minarets of the ancient medina.
Traditional Crafts
Artisan Workshops
Discover skilled artisans working with leather, brass, wood, ceramics and traditional textiles.
![Fes Jdid](https://greatmorocco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Fes-Jdid.jpg")
Historic Neighbourhood
Fes Jdid
Explore the historic district of Fes Jdid and its streets, gates and royal heritage.
A Taste of Imperial Morocco
Discover the Flavours of Fez
Fez is famous for its refined Fassi cuisine, combining traditional Moroccan recipes, aromatic spices and distinctive local flavours.
The Taste of the Imperial City
A Culinary Journey Through Fassi Tradition
From the celebrated pastilla to traditional Moroccan tagines and homemade pastries, Fez offers a memorable culinary experience.
Fassi Pastilla
Taste the celebrated sweet-and-savoury pie, traditionally prepared with delicate pastry, spiced filling and a dusting of cinnamon.
Traditional Tagine
Enjoy slow-cooked dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients, preserved lemon, olives and spices.
Harira and Soups
Discover comforting Moroccan soups and traditional recipes often enjoyed in family homes and cafés.
Fassi Sweets
Try local pastries and Moroccan mint tea in the traditional cafés and sweet shops of the medina.
Where to Eat and Enjoy
Discover Fez’s Dining Scene
Whether you are looking for traditional Fassi food, a welcoming café or a memorable meal in the medina, Fez has something for every traveller.
Traditional Dining
Fes el-Bali
Find family-run restaurants serving pastilla, tagines, couscous and other classic Fassi dishes.
Cafés and Culture
Bab Boujloud Area
Enjoy traditional cafés, local bakeries and the lively atmosphere around one of Fez’s best-known gates.
Contemporary Dining
Ville Nouvelle
Discover modern cafés, restaurants and bakeries along the broad avenues of the Ville Nouvelle.
Beyond the Monuments
Experience the Magic of Fez
Experience the city’s artisan traditions, historic markets, gardens and unforgettable cultural atmosphere.
Explore the Souks
Follow the lively lanes of the medina and discover workshops, spice stalls and traditional crafts.
Discover Local Crafts
Meet local artisans and discover leatherwork, ceramics, brassware and traditional textiles.
Garden Strolls
Take a peaceful walk through Jnan Sbil Garden and enjoy its fountains and shaded paths.
Discover Fes Jdid
Discover the historic district, its monumental gates and the surrounding royal quarter.
The Imperial City
The Medina:
A Living Heritage
Fez’s ancient medina is a living heritage landscape, where historic architecture, workshops, markets and neighbourhood life remain intertwined.
Walk through its remarkable streets, pause at a historic fountain and discover the craftsmanship that has shaped the city for generations.
PLAN YOUR FEZ VISITPlan Your Visit
Useful Tips for Travellers
A few practical recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Fez.
☀
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are pleasant periods for exploring the medina on foot and enjoying the city’s gardens.
⌖
Getting Around
The old medina is best explored on foot. Use taxis for longer journeys between Fes el-Bali, Fes Jdid and the Ville Nouvelle.
✦
Local Culture
Dress comfortably, respect local customs and consider hiring an official local guide to understand the medina’s history and layout.
Make the Most of Your Stay
A Three-Day Fez Journey
A suggested itinerary combining historic monuments, artisan traditions, gardens and Fassi gastronomy.
DAY 01
Discover the Historic Medina
Begin at Bab Boujloud, explore Fes el-Bali and visit Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine Mosque. Discover the souks and enjoy a traditional Fassi dinner.
DAY 02
Gardens and Artisan Heritage
Visit Jnan Sbil Garden, explore the Chouara Tanneries and discover the traditional artisan quarters and workshops of the medina.
DAY 03
The Imperial City and Local Life
Explore Fes Jdid and its historic gates, then discover the Ville Nouvelle’s cafés and broad avenues before enjoying your final evening in Fez.
Your Moroccan Journey Awaits
Discover Fes Jdid.
Experience the Magic of Fez.
From historic madrasas and lively souks to artisan workshops and refined cuisine, Fez invites you to discover one of Morocco’s most extraordinary cities.
EXPLORE MORE DESTINATIONS