Marrakech Tours
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Merzouga
- 2 Days Tour Marrakech to Zagora Desert
- 3 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
Fes Tours
Casablanca Tours
Tangier Tours
Day Trips
Merzouga Desert Activities
Fes City
Fes city is the second-largest city in Morocco, nicknamed “Mecca of the West” and “Athens of Africa” for its cultural and religious significance. Founded in the 8th-9th centuries, Fez is a fascinating blend of Amazigh and Moroccan influences.
Fez wasn’t built all at once! The story starts in 789 with Idris I, a leader who fled Arabia, settled in Morocco, and conquered land. He founded the first part of Fez, called Madinat Fas, on the southeast side of a river (now called the Fez River).
His son, Idris II, wasn’t satisfied with just one side. In 809, he built another settlement called al-ʿĀliyá on the opposite bank of the river and even moved the capital there! Back then, the people of Fez were mostly Amazighs (Berbers)
The city is divided into three main areas:
- Fes el-Bali (Old Fez): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free zones. It boasts the ancient University of al-Qarawiyyin (the oldest continuously operating university) and the Chouara Tannery (one of the oldest tanneries in the world).
- Fes Jdid (New Fez): Founded in the 13th century, it houses the Royal Palace and the former Jewish quarter (Mellah).
- Ville Nouvelle: The modern city area built during French colonial times.
Rise and Rule:
- Fez has seen many empires come and go, reaching its peak under the Marinid dynasty (13th-15th centuries). During this era, the city became a center of religion, scholarship, and trade.
- After the Marinids, Fez continued to be an important city, even serving as the capital again under the Alawi dynasty until 1912.
Fez offers a unique blend of history, culture, and tradition, making it a must-visit for any traveler to Morocco.
This ancient city, going back to the 8th century, has one of the oldest universities in the world. It’s famous for art and science in Morocco. The culture there is lively, and you can feel its influence everywhere. Fez is called the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, and it’s not hard to see why.
Even though bigger cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat get more attention, Fez has its own charm. It’s a mix of modern life and old Moroccan traditions. The narrow streets are fun to wander through, and you’ll find amazing buildings made of clay and bricks, colorful tiled courtyards, and fancy carved pillars. What’s cool about Fez is its blue color.
It’s everywhere in the city and is a symbol of the local pottery. Fez is known for its pottery, and some of the best pieces in the country come from here. The deep blue stands out against the twisty streets and gives the city a mysterious vibe. Fez is made up of three cities by the Fez and Zitu rivers, which makes it special. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to learn about the history and culture of this interesting city so you can enjoy it fully.