Culture
Explore Fez and Meknes
Morocco’s Royal City & Spiritual Jewel
Stroll through the world’s largest medieval Islamic old town – and be amazed at its 9,000 winding alleys! Fez medina: UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its richly decorated palaces, breathtaking madrasas, authentic souks and fascinating museums, Fez is considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Absorb the spirituality of the medina. Fez is the perfect place for fans of art, culture, gourmet cuisine and shopping.
Highlights
The Beautiful Sights of Fez
The world’s largest medina
A living medieval jewel
Explore the world’s largest medieval Islamic old town. Roam a labyrinth of almost 9,000 alleys. A UNESCO World Heritage Site – and still inhabited! Soak up everyday Moroccan life, passing magnificent historic buildings, markets, shops and 60 fountains adorned with colourful zellige tiles … To find the best spots in the Fez medina without getting lost, you’ll need your Pur Life Maroc Private Concierge.
A spectacular souk!
A Moroccan must-see
Hundreds of little shops stretch out before you on the main axis of the medina, at its centre the Kairaouine Mosque and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II. Immerse yourself in a world of exotic colours and aromas. Let yourself be enchanted by the extraordinary atmosphere, the work of the artisans, Berber rugs, babouches (leather slippers), colourful souvenirs, and the scent of exotic fruits and spices…
The famous blue gate
Gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Bab Bou Jeloud is without a doubt the most beautiful way to enter the world’s largest medieval medina. The famous blue gate was constructed in the Spanish-Moorish style and leads directly into the souk. Seasonal vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, live chickens slaughtered before customers’ eyes, boxes filled with snails … food is all around you!
Al-Attarine madrasa
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981
The Al-Attarine madrasa, a former Islamic school, is one of Morocco’s most beautiful buildings. Gaze in wonder at the splendid tiles and mosaics, the stucco decoration in the entrance and courtyard and the ornamentation on the floors and walls. Incredibly, the Islamic school was built in the early 14th century and was used as such until the start of the 20th century.
Qarawīyīn Mosque
Over 1000 years old – Morocco’s masterpiece
The Qarawīyīn Mosque, also known as the Karaouine Mosque, is the country’s most historically and politically significant mosque. An architectural masterpiece and almost 1,200 years old, it was commissioned in the mid 9th century by Fatima al-Fihri, the wealthy daughter of a businessman. Although you will not be able to view the interior of this impressive house of worship, it’s still worth a visit.
La Tannerie
The best leather in the world
It is said that some of the world’s best leather comes from the royal city of Fez. Leather is still tanned by hand in the traditional manner here – using cow urine. It is then dyed using indigo, saffron, or whatever colour is required. The work is hard, and the stench is almost unbearable. So we recommend that you enjoy the view from one of the many terraces while your Private Concierge explains the process.
The perfect day
With the Private Concierge Service
Practical information from arrival to departure
For the cultural, foodie and shopping paradise of Fez
Location
Fez is situated in the north of Morocco. With around a million residents, it is the country’s third-largest city. It is also the capital of the Fez-Meknes region.
Climate
Fez has an average temperature of 25°C. The sun shines practically all year round here. Summers are very hot and dry, winters consistently mild.
Fez – the sizzling royal city
Average daytime temperatures in Celsius
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 31 | 36 | 36 | 32 | 26 | 20 | 16 |