Disregard Marrakech, the captivating city that stands out is the most attractive in Morocco, serving as an open-air museum.
Fez, the second-largest city in Morocco, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and living traditions of the North African nation. Founded by Sultan Idris I in the 8th century, Fez has been a cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, serving as one of the four imperial cities, chosen as capitals at different times by various Moroccan monarchs.
Nestled within its walls, Fez boasts a wealth of historic buildings and sites, including palaces, residences, mosques, fortifications, and city gates. The Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of bustling souks and narrow alleys that reflect centuries of Moroccan culture.
One of the key historical sites to visit is the Al Attarine Madrasa, an exquisite Islamic school known for its intricate architecture. Another gem is the Bou Inania Madrasa, another beautiful religious school open to visitors. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities in the world, is also a must-see. This prestigious institution, home to numerous historic buildings, is still active today.
For those interested in Moroccan art, history, and crafts, the Batha Museum and the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts are traditional art museums that offer valuable insights. The Nejjarine Fountain and the adjacent Nejjarine Museum, dedicated to wood arts and crafts, are also worth a visit.
Important mosques and mausoleums like the Kairaouine Mosque, Moulay Idriss II Mausoleum, and Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani are essential stops for anyone wanting to explore the city's religious heritage. City gates and squares such as the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), Place Bou Jeloud, and Bab Ftouh also offer a glimpse into Fez's past.
The Chouara Tanneries are a must-see for those interested in witnessing centuries-old artisanal craftsmanship. From rooftops overlooking the dye pits, visitors can observe the traditional leather-making process that remains largely unchanged.
Besides historical sites, Fez offers opportunities for relaxation and wellness. Traditional spa treatments, often involving visiting a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, offer steam baths, scrubs, and massages. These provide a culturally immersive experience, using local black soap, argan oil, and ghassoul clay.
Just two hours by car from Fez, Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Roman city, is another must-visit attraction. Meknes, another of the four imperial cities, is also a must-visit for its many historic sites and traditional architecture.
In summary, a visit to Fez should combine tours of historical medinas and monuments, observation of leather tannery processes, museum visits for cultural context, and relaxing traditional hammam spa treatments to fully experience the city's heritage and living traditions.
References:
[1] Lonely Planet. (2021). Fez travel guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/fez-and-boulmane/fez
[2] Rough Guides. (2021). Fez travel guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/africa/morocco/fez-and-boulmane/fez/
[3] Fez-Morocco.com. (2021). Top things to do in Fez, Morocco. [Online] Available at: https://www.fez-morocco.com/top-things-to-do-in-fez-morocco/
While exploring the historical sites of Fez, one can delve into the city's unique lifestyle by experiencing traditional spa treatments at local hammam bathhouses, immersing themselves in Moroccan culture and relaxation. After a day of sightseeing, consider visiting Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Roman city, or Meknes, another imperial city, to expand your travel experiences within Morocco.
