Culture of Fes. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The most significant attractions of Fez are concentrated in the medina of Fes el-Bali (Arabic for Old Fez), the oldest district of the city. It presents hundreds of religious buildings, several museums, and a countless number of shopping pavilions, the visits to which are often successfully combined with city tours by tourists. The second medina, Fes el-Jdid , is also full of interesting sites to explore. Sightseeing fans will surely like the so-called New Fez - the youngest part of the city. Andalusian Mosque stands out among the hundreds of religious sites in Fez. Built in 1321, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the city. Its minaret is painted in white and green tones and is distinguished by an impressive height. The mosque is also notable for its rich interior decoration.

In Fez, there is the oldest educational institution in the world - the University of Al Quaraouiyine (University Al-Karaouine) founded in 859. Interestingly, the founder of the university was a woman - Fatima al-Fihri. Today, the university is the most prestigious in the country, many prominent Moroccan politicians have left its walls. Travelers are primarily interested in visiting the university's eponymous Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (Mosque Al-Karaouine), which is the largest in North Africa. It can accommodate over 20,000 parishioners at one time. The mosque houses one of the most significant religious objects of Fez - the tomb of Idris II, the founder of the city.

Another important symbol of the Morrocan city is the Bab Bou Jeloud Gate that serves as the main entrance to the medina of Fes el-Bali. The landmark built relatively recently, at the beginning of the 20th century, is among the city's most beautiful architectural structures. Painted in white-blue colors, it is decorated with rich ornaments and is the newest city gate. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Near the gate you'll discover another important educational institution of Fez - the Madrasa Bou Inania (Medorsa Bou Inania ). It is named after its founder, Sultan Abou Inan. Since its foundation in the 14th century, the madrasa has remained the largest in the city. The madrasa is open to the public - everyone can walk along its picturesque courtyard and appreciate its rich decoration, and followers of Islam have the great opportunity to visit a prayer hall.

The list of unique monuments of Fes' architecture worth noting is not complete without Maison de FHorloge Dar el-Magane. The main decoration of its facade is a unique water clock, the mechanism of which has been a mystery for scientists for more than six hundred years. That is why the clock could not be repaired over the last two centuries. Nevertheless, every day thousands of tourists come to admire the "miracle" of medieval technology.

Get acquainted with one of the oldest national crafts during a walk around the Tanneurs Quarter (Quartier Tanneeurs), which is a concentration of ancient tanneries, craft workshops, and trade pavilions. It is home to hereditary tanners who pass on their skills by inheritance and do not cease to improve the main national craft.

On the border of the two medinas is one of the most visited cultural facilities of Fez - Dar Batha Museum (Musoe Dar el-Batha ). The museum with its exposition dedicated to Moroccan art is lucky enough to occupy a luxurious Moorish-style palace dating back to the 19th century. Within its walls is a rich collection of ceramics, handmade carpets, and ancient paintings. After watching the unique exhibits, be sure to stroll through a picturesque garden surrounding the palace, as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the city.