Imperial Cities of Morocco: Fez (Part I)
When it comes to traveling nothing is enough, exploring new places never stops. So let us continue our journey in search of new lands. ‘Fez’ is the city we will be discussing in detail in this article. Fez is not your typical city with sky high towers, rather it has this vibe of an ancient city. The city is highly underrated as a tourist spot but that doesn’t make it less beautiful.
Get Saicharan Bait’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Fez lies in northern inland Morocco. It is the second largest city in Morocco and is the capital of the Fas-Meknes administrative region. The Fez river flows through the centre of the old city, which is a site to behold in itself. The Idrisid Dynasty founded the city in the 8th and 9th centuries and reached its zenith in the Marinid era. A walk in the city and you will see many historical mosques, madrasas, city gates and zawiyah that are still in existence. Let us take a look at the places you can visit in the city.
Bab Bou Jeloud
Let us begin our trip entering through this beautiful gate. The ornate city gate is the western, main entrance to Fez. The polychrome tiles along with the horseshoe arches, crenelated top and Moorish architecture make up this beautiful structure. The gate is followed by a small square with small shops and restaurants.
Fes El bali
The Bab Bou jeloud gate leads to the capital of the Idris dynasty that is Fes El Bali. it is the oldest walled part of Fez. The area is known as the Medina of Fez. This area is famous for the oldest university in the world. Also, the area is famous as being the biggest car-free urban area in the world.
University of Al Quaraouiyine
It is the oldest university in the world that has been continually operating. The architecture of the building is so beautiful that no student would get bored here. But we’ll leave the studying to the students and walk our way to the next site.
Borj Nord
Heading up the hills you reach this panoramic site where you can set your gaze upon the beautiful city beneath. Borj Nord is a Fort built by the Saadi dynasty around 1582. The fort’s design language resembles that of the 16th century Portuguese Forts.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Once you enter the Madrasa it’s beautiful architecture filled with Mosaic tiles is sure to keep your enchanted. Beautifully carved walls, ceilings and pillars will capture your imagination like nothing else.
Funduq Al-Najjariyyin (Nejjarine Museum of Arts and Crafts)
The museum is situated in the heart of Medina. The first thing you notice is the Moroccan riad architecture. Mesmerizing pieces of wooden artifacts are stored inside the museum. The building architecture is beautiful with wood used in many of its parts.
Andalusian Mosque
Every structure you go to in Fez, you are bound to see beautiful decorations on the walls. This Mosque is not an exception. This is an old structure, so much so that it dates back the inception of the city. It is one of the oldest mosques in the world. Hence, its has made on to our list as a must visit site.
This is our take on some must visit places in Fez. Check out our articles for more such places around the world.
If you liked this post make sure you hit the ‘applause’ button.
This story is brought to you by HopBucket.Download the free HopBucket app now!
