FREE WALKING TOUR FES: THE OLDEST CITY IN THE WORLD
A complete Fez guided tour & free walking tour in the old Medina
FULL DAY TO EXPLORE THE OLDEST CITY IN THE WORLD, FES:
A visit to Morocco is incomplete without exploring the oldest city of Fes. Prime Morocco Tours offers you a full day to walk around the medina’s narrow alleys and visit the must-see sites of the city. After having breakfast, you will be able to visit the old still living city in the world with an official local guide who will take you into the traditional markets of the city stopping at the Royal Palace, the visit will take you to the oldest University in the world the mosque and Madrassa of Karaouine build by Fatima El Fehria in the 9th century. Your guide also will take you to visit the tomb of the city founder “Moulay Idriss the second”. Here it comes to lunchtime when you will be served in a much known traditional restaurant in the Medina. In the afternoon the Najarine fountain, the old harem Garden and the Batha Museum. On your way to the hotel, the guide will invite you to have a panoramic look at the city and take pictures.
The must-see of this guided tour of Fez
The old Medina of Fes (L’mdina Lakdima), a must-see
Walking tour in the old Medina
The old medina of Fes is a city within a city and is a must–see destination for anyone traveling to Morocco for the first time. This ancient walled city is located in the northeastern part of the country and is the oldest of the four imperial cities of Morocco. It is home to over 9,000 streets and alleyways, many of which are still accessible only by foot, with hundreds of mosques, madrasas, fountains, palaces, and other monuments. The old medina of Fes is a vibrant and bustling destination for travelers. Within its walls, visitors can explore the narrow, winding streets filled with markets, shops, and stalls selling everything from traditional Moroccan crafts, spices, and fabrics to souvenirs and local food. The medina is also home to several historical sites, including the Grand Mosque of Fes, the Dar el Makhzen Palace, and the tombs of the Merinid dynasty. The old medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great source of pride for the locals. From its winding streets and bustling bazaars to its historic monuments, the old medina of Fes is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Morocco. Here, visitors can experience a unique blend of culture, history, and tradition that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Karaouine Mosque (the oldest university in the world and a must-see)
Guided tour to learn about the oldest university in the world
The Karaouine Mosque is an icon of Fes city, Morocco. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most important religious sites in the Muslim world. The mosque was founded in 859 CE by a woman named Fatima al–Fihri (that remarks on the great rule of Moroccan women in building the history of Morocco). It was originally built as a religious school and over the centuries has been expanded and renovated several times. It is now one of the largest mosques in Morocco and is home to a library with over 4000 manuscripts. The mosque is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful decoration. The exterior of the mosque is covered in intricate geometric designs, colorful tiles, and inscriptions from the Koran. Inside, the prayer hall is decorated with elaborate marble columns and is illuminated by natural light that streams through the stained glass windows. The mihrab (prayer niche) is decorated with detailed mosaics depicting scenes from the Koran. The Karaouine Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a center for learning and education. It is home to a prestigious university, the University of Al–Karaouine, which is the oldest continuously operating university in the world. The university was founded in 859 CE and has a long history of educating people from all areas of life, including religious scholars, political leaders, and artists. The Karaouine Mosque is a symbol of the city of Fes and a testament to its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is an important site for pilgrims and visitors alike and is a reminder of the power of faith and education.
Bab Boujloud, a must-see in Fes
Walking tour around the Bab Boujloud (gate)
Discover the most beautiful gate in Fez, Morocco ‘Bab Boujloud’. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the city and is a symbol of its long and vibrant history. The gate was built in 1350 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. Bab Boujloud is made of a combination of stone and green tile and is decorated with intricate geometric patterns and Islamic calligraphy. The gate is located at the entrance to the old city of Fez and is flanked by two high towers. It is reached by a series of steps leading up to the gate itself, which is guarded by two soldiers. The gate has served as an important landmark throughout the centuries and is considered an essential part of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. It is also a popular tourist destination, and many visitors come to marvel at its beauty. Bab Boujloud is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and is a reminder of the city’s rich history and culture. It is a popular attraction for visitors to Fez, and a reminder of the city’s vibrant past and vibrant present.
The Nejjarine Museum, a must-see in Fes
Guided tour around the Nejjarine Museum
The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is located in the ancient city of Fes, Morocco. It is a museum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Moroccan woodworking. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 18th–century palace, the Nejjarine, which was originally built by a wealthy local merchant. The museum contains a wide variety of wooden objects from all over Morocco, including furniture, instruments, sculptures, jewelry, and other objects created by master craftsmen. The museum also has an extensive library of books and articles related to the history and craft of woodworking in Morocco, as well as a workshop where visitors can observe and participate in the craft. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is a must–see for anyone interested in traditional Moroccan woodworking. It is a great way to learn about the history and culture of woodworking in Morocco and to appreciate the beauty of traditional woodworking techniques.
Batha Museum in Fes, a must-see
Guided tour of Batha Museum
It is important to visit this cultural and historical site in Morocco and a must-see of Fes. The museum was established in 1917 by the French Protectorate and is housed in a former palace of the same name. The museum showcases the city‘s rich culture and history, with displays of traditional crafts, artifacts, and artworks. The museum consists of two sections. The first section is dedicated to traditional Islamic art and includes a variety of displays, such as ceramics, woodwork, calligraphy, and more. The second section is dedicated to more contemporary works, such as photography, paintings, and sculptures. Visitors can also view a large collection of coins, jewelry, and other objects related to the history of Fes. In addition to its exhibits, the museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors. These programs focus on the history and culture of Morocco, as well as the importance of preserving its heritage. The museum also hosts a variety of events, such as lectures, films, and workshops. Batha Museum is a great place to visit for those interested in learning more about the culture and history of Fes. It is a great way to get to know the city and its people, as well as appreciate its rich cultural heritage.
Chaouara tanneries, a must-see site
Walking tour at the Chaouara Tanneries
Also called Dar Dabagh located in the old medina of Fes, and is a must-see in Morocco. They are the largest tanneries in Morocco, and one of the oldest in the world, with a history dating back to the 14th century. The tanneries are a remarkable feat of engineering, with a complex system of channels and vats used to process the hides of cows, sheep, and goats. The hides are first soaked in a vat of cow urine, then washed and dyed in vats of natural pigments such as henna and saffron. The hides are then hung out to dry on the rooftops of the tanneries. The tanneries are a major source of employment for the local community and provide a unique insight into the traditional craft of leatherworking in Morocco. The smell of the tanneries is a distinctive feature of the area, and visitors can observe the process of leatherworking from the viewpoints of the surrounding shops. The Chaouara Tanneries are a popular tourist attraction in Fes and are a great way to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Madrassa Bouanania, a must-see
Guided tour in the Madrassa Bouanania
An Islamic religious school located in Fes, Morocco. It is one of the oldest and most well-known Islamic educational institutions in the world. Founded in 1269 by Moulay Idriss II, the school has been a center of religious instruction and scholarship for centuries. Medrassa Bouanania is an architectural marvel. It is a complex of several buildings surrounded by a high wall and is decorated with intricate Islamic art and tilework. Inside, the school is divided into four main parts: the main prayer hall, the lecture halls, the library, and the student dormitories. The main prayer hall is a beautiful domed building with an ornate marble fountain in the middle. The lecture halls are lined with intricately carved and painted wooden panels, and the library is home to a vast collection of books and manuscripts. The school is currently home to around 400 students and offers courses in Islamic theology and jurisprudence, as well as Arabic language and literature. It is a place of great religious importance and is visited by many tourists every year. It is also a popular place of pilgrimage for Muslims and is a major center of Islamic learning and scholarship.
At the end of the Fez guided tour, it’s important to spend the night in a traditional Riad overlooking the old Medina of Fez.