The Medina of Fes (in Arabic, Fes el-Bali) is one of the oldest and largest medinas in the world. It is composed of a labyrinth of narrow alleys, all very similar, but each unique in its details and beauty. For this reason, it is all to be discovered and if you are passionate walkers, we are sure that – just like us – you will walk kilometers and kilometers to enjoy all the hidden beauties that can be found with patience among the streets of the Medina without stress.
We want to first remind you that visiting the ancient city of Fes for a tourist is quite challenging because you are confronted with a culture that is totally different from our own, with typical ways of doing things and customs, and you will literally feel immersed in a different world that is, in some ways, very distant from ours.
What we recommend first is to take a look at our article “4 things you absolutely must know before visiting Fez (and its ancient city)”: well, now that you’re ready and have a better understanding of some tricks to not feel completely disoriented in the medina, it’s time to discover all the fantastic stops that cannot be missed in your itinerary.
- Bab Boujloud (the blue gate): it is definitely – together with the tanneries we will talk about in a moment – the most iconic symbol of the city. Erected in the 12th century, this is literally the gateway to the ancient city: from here, the two main streets of the city originate – noisy and bustling with shops and stalls of all kinds. These are Talaa Kebira (Grand Slope) on the left and Talaa Seghira (Little Slope) on the right, which we always recommend using as a reference point to find your way back when you feel lost among the alleys. We stopped here for some typical and colorful photos, thanks also to the particular green and blue tiles that you will often see enriching buildings and monuments in the old city.
- The tanneries: Fes is famous for its tanneries which have even become a UNESCO heritage site. Incredible! The largest – the Chaouwara Tanneries – definitely deserve to be visited because they represent one of the last examples of traditional tanneries in the world: they are composed of many stone tanks arranged in the shape of a beehive, one next to the other.
Each tank contains different liquids and dyes, and those who work the leather immerse themselves almost entirely to decolorize, clean and recolor the leather which is then worked to create accessories and clothing of all kinds.
But you may be wondering: “what kind of liquid is in the tanks?” Often the tanks contain effluents (particularly from urine) containing a high level of ammonia which serves to decolorize and soften the leather. Absurd, right?
Precisely for this reason, the smell in the surrounding area is not the best: we were given a sprig of mint to hold under our noses, to make our stay more pleasant. We’ll remember it!
- Visit the typical markets (souk): in the souks of Fes, you can find anything. We mean really anything. Fruits, vegetables, chickens, donkeys strolling around, products of all kinds, not just food.
There are even stalls that sell “Nike” shoes or other famous brands, blatantly counterfeited, as if nothing were wrong and in broad daylight. We did not inquire too much, but evidently, the authorities do not have too much control in this regard.
One thing definitely worth noting is the spices and oils that can be found: we stocked up on argan oil and Henna.
- Mosque and University of al-Quaraouiyine: it is the largest mosque in Africa still in use (if you like to visit mosques don’t miss our article on the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi) and can accommodate over twenty thousand worshipers.
The university attached to the mosque has also been listed among the UNESCO heritage sites and was one of the most illustrious in the medieval period. Its library is one of the oldest in the world and contains more than 30,000 books, including a 9th-century Quran.
Both the mosque and the university were built through the donation of the legacy of a generous woman, Fatima al-Fibri, who is still remembered for her donation.
