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    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 — Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    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 — Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    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 — Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    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) — Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    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 — Guide to Fes: The Spiritual Capital of Morocco

    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.· 7 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.· 7 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.· 7 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.· 7 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.· 8 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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