Travel for real
Treasures of the past
Fès El Bali (Fès the Ancient) dates from the 11th century while Fès El Jedid (Fès the New) dates from the 13th century. Each houses treasures which will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Monumental gates
The oldest Moroccan imperial city is protected by ramparts with monumental gates, ornamented with blue and green faience, such as Bab Ftouh or Bab Boujloud. Fès El Bali, the medina, has almost a 1000 alleys through which you will be guided by the noise and bustle of the souks. You should start at the Henné souk, which specialises in cosmetics, and head for the Jeld souk, renowned for its leatherwork, after passing through the Haïk souk where the fabric and wool merchants trade. The tanners' quarter, which exists since the Middle Ages, is an exhibition of enormous coloured vats. Near the souks you will come across several medersas, Koranic schools, often built beside a mosque. There are eight medersas in the medina amongst which the El Attarine medersa, situated opposite the Karaouiyine mosque, which is considered to be the gem of the medina. The Moulay Idriss mausoleum, in honour of the founder of Fès, can be found among these alleys; many pilgrims visit it throughout the year.
The foundouks
The old town has many foundouks, 115 in all, which previously were used for commercial trading. One of them, the En Nejjarine foundouk houses the must-see Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. Fès El Jedid, the "new" town, was built in the 13th century and became the residence of princes. Many palaces, from this period, remain. Some, such as the Jamaï Palace, have been converted into luxury hotels. The mellah, the old Jewish quarter with its Danan synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery with its white tombs just below it, is situated in El Jedid.
To remember
The treasures of Fès are wonderfully preserved making it a fascinating artistic and cultural centre.
Handicraft and cooking
These two activities are in the pure Fès tradition. Pleasures for the eye and the palate waiting for you to discover.
Handicraft capital
You should visit the Dar Batha Museum before exploring the Fès El Bali souks. It is specialised in the arts and crafts of Fès and so will give you a good overview of all the handicraft made in a town renowned for the skill of its different guilds. The potters and ceramists are probably the most outstanding. The cobalt blue tin glazing has become the standard for the craftsmen of the town. You must visit the Wooden Arts and Crafts Museum, situated in one of the most beautiful buildings in Fès, the En-Nejjarine foundouk. Collections of different objects are exhibited in the old cells of this caravanserai. Moucharaby and wooden furniture can easily be purchased in the neighbourhood. You can find chiselled copperware articles near Es-Seffarine Place.
Gastronomic capital
Fès cooking is derived from 13th century Arabo-Andalusian cooking. Its particularity is the association of sweet and salty by the use of fruit as vegetables. Spices, such as caraway, coriander, pepper, paprika, cinnamon are also used skilfully. You will find these ingredients in the pastilla, a local dish: a light flaky pastry filled with minced pigeon mixed with almonds and sugar. Don't miss the delicious bread just out of the public oven.
To remember
Handicrafts and cooking are a delightful illustration of the art of fine living that you should discover.
