Private and Custom Fez' Medina: Make Fez Yours

Medina of Fez

Labelled Morocco's cultural capital, the city of Fes is renowned for its old town – Fes El Bali walled medina – a colorful mix of medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and charming, sometimes mysterious atmosphere. The latter is due to the presence of such unique sites as the 14th-century Bou Inania religious school boasting elaborate cedar carving and ornate tile decoration. To find this and other notable attractions of Fes, follow this orientation walk.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin or Al Quaraouiyine is the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records and is occasionally referred to as the oldest university by scholars. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 with an associated madrasa, which subsequently became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the historic Muslim world. The al-Qarawiyyin played a leading role in the cultural and academic relations between the Islamic world and Europe in the middle ages. The cartographer Mohammed al-Idrisi (d. 1166), whose maps aided European exploration in the Renaissance is said to have lived in Fes for some time, suggesting that he may have worked or studied at al-Qarawiyyin. The University has produced numerous scholars who have strongly influenced the intellectual and academic history of the Muslim and Jewish worlds. Compared with the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or the Jameh Mosque in Isfahan, the design of the mosque is austere. The columns and arches are plain white; the floors are covered in reed mats, not lush carpets. Yet the seemingly endless forest of arches creates a sense of infinite majesty and intimate privacy, while the simplicity of the design complements the finely decorated niches, pulpit and outer courtyard, with its superb tiles, plasterwork, woodcarvings and paintings. Why You Should Visit: Non-muslims can see the traditional courtyard with the washing area (only for men) and the prayer area. The mixture of indoor and outdoor space truly makes the place amazing.

Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II

The Zaouia Moulay Idriss II is a "zaouia" (a shrine and religious complex; also spelled "zawiya") dedicated to and containing the tomb of Idris II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and is considered the main founder of the city of Fes and of the first Moroccan Islamic state. In the year 1308, almost five centuries since the death of Moulay Idriss II, an uncorrupted body was found on the spot. People believed this was Moulay Idriss II and founded the zaouia. Originally built by the Marinids circa 1440, over the centuries the building was amended heavily, and almost completely replaced in the 18th century by Moulay Ismail in a style typical of the Alaouites that govern Morocco to this day. Moulay Idriss II is the patron saint of the city of Fes, and it is believed that walking through his zaouia is beneficial for strangers visiting the city, boys before being circumcised and women wanting to facilitate childbirth.