Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco
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    Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    L'équipe éditoriale OLIVIANA CAR9 min

    🏛️ Fes is Morocco's oldest imperial city and its spiritual and intellectual heart. Founded in the 8th century, Fes el-Bali (Old Fes) is the world's largest car-free urban area, home to over 9,000 narrow alleyways where donkeys and carts remain the primary means of transport.

    The ancient rooftops of Fes medina — a living museum
    The ancient rooftops of Fes medina — a living museum

    ❓ Why Visit Fes?

    Unlike the tourist-oriented Marrakech, Fes offers a more authentic, less commercial Moroccan experience. The medina here feels like stepping back in time — artisans still practice crafts passed down for generations, and the call to prayer echoes through the narrow streets five times a day.

    🚗 Getting Around

    A local guide is highly recommended for your first visit to the medina — it's genuinely easy to get lost. Rent a car from OLIVIANA CAR for trips to nearby Meknes, Volubilis, and Ifrane.

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    Chouara Tannery

    The largest and oldest tannery in Fes, dating back to the 11th century. Watch artisans dye leather using the same natural methods used for a thousand years — saffron for yellow, indigo for blue, mint for green.

    University of al-Qarawiyyin

    Founded in 859 AD, it's recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

    Bou Inania Madrasa

    A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with elaborate stucco carving, cedar latticework, and zellige tilework. One of the few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims.

    Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

    The historic Jewish quarter features a fascinating cemetery, synagogue, and unique architecture distinct from the rest of the medina.

    Dar Batha Museum

    Housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace, this museum showcases traditional Fassi arts and crafts including the famous blue pottery of Fes.

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    Comments5

    Sarah M.· 5 mo ago

    Amazing guide! We rented a car from Marrakech and drove to Essaouira following your tips. The coastal road was absolutely stunning. Highly recommend!

    Ahmed K.· 5 mo ago

    Very helpful article. I've been living in Morocco for years and still learned something new. The tips about driving in the Atlas mountains are spot on.

    Julia R.· 6 mo ago

    Thanks for this! We're planning our trip for next month and this gives us so many ideas. Can't wait to explore the Sahara!

    Marco P.· 6 mo ago

    Great read. The food recommendations were perfect — we tried everything and loved the tagine in Fes. Morocco is truly a foodie paradise.

    Fatima Z.· 6 mo ago

    Beautiful photos and well-written content. Shared this with all my friends who are planning to visit Morocco. Keep it up!

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