The Andalusian Shore
Although it extends for almost two kilometers, this circuit takes almost three hours to be traveled and appreciated.
This circuit proposes to discover the Medina of Fez and more particularly the oldest historical part, where settled the first communities of immigrants coming from Moslem Spain (9th century). The Andalusian community has deeply marked the built and oral heritage of the city.
Length : 2 kilometers
Duration of the visit : three hours
Do not miss: Medersa Sahrij, masterpiece of Merinide architecture. The Tannerie Chouara, the largest traditional tannery of Fez, still today, a source of prosperity for Fassi craftsmanship. The Mausoleum Sidi Ahmed Tidjani, named after the founder of Tariqa (brotherhood) Tidjaniya. The Mausoleum attracts pilgrims from many countries of Africa to Fez. Jamaâ Andalous, twin of the Qaraouiyine mosque that dominates the landscape of the Andalusian shore.
Palace and Andalusian Gardens
Thanks to the control of irrigation and water supply systems, the city has embodied, since its founding until the beginning of the 20th century, the very model of the Garden City. Several green monuments testify to the development of garden art in the medina.
In Fez, garden space was more important in the past than it is nowadays. The gardens surrounding the city on all sides created a pleasant and singular effect. the garden was also part of the house and was a place of retirement and calm for the family, his relatives and guests. It also served as a setting for certain parties and receptions.
Length: 2.5 kilometers
Duration of the visit: three hours
Do not miss: Jnan Sbil Garden, the green lung of Fez, admirable for the variety of botanical species and the hydraulic architecture that characterize it. The Batha Museum, home to one of the most important collections of Moroccan ethnographic art. To appreciate, also, the typical Andalusian garden. The Ryad Moqri, magnificent palace of the early twentieth century, headquarters of the Institute Specialized in Traditional Building Trade (ISMTB). Dar Adiyel, typical example of the 17th century bourgeois house, currently housing the conservatory of Moroccan Andalusian classical music.
Monuments and Souks
This is the classic course of the medina that goes from the place Boujloud to the imposing urban ensemble around the Mosque-University Qaraouiyine. The route of this circuit, nearly two kilometers is estimated at three hours.
This tour offers the opportunity to discover buildings of great architectural and artistic value, classified, most often, among the national historic monuments. These monuments offer a variety of styles and forms and are also distinguished by their function and historical interest. The walk in these religious monuments, cultural, public or private can appreciate the secrets and specificities of Moroccan Andalusian art. The visit begins with the discovery of the Boujloud water distributor, which shows the importance and complexity of the traditional hydraulic network of the Fez medina. the entrance by Bab Boujloud leads to the Medresa Bouinania which is famous for its architecture and decoration of the peak of Merinide art.
Length: 2 kilometers
Duration of the visit: three hours
Do not miss:: The Nejjarine complex, one of the most beautiful urban and architectural complexes of Fez, admirable for the beauty and harmony of its components: the fundouk, the fountain and the souk. The Medersa Attarine, one of the wonders of Fez. Its beauty has no equal in all the medinas of Morocco. LaMedersa Bouinaniya, unique in its size, its hydraulic clock, its beautiful scenery and its beautiful minaret overlooking Talâa Kbira street. The Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, sheltering the tomb of the founder of Fez. It is the most popular pilgrimage site in Fez and Morocco. The Qaraouiyine Mosque, founded in 859 by the pious Fatima al-Fihria, Qaraouiyine would become the first university in the world.
Walls and Fortifications
The interest of this route, which follows the route of the old ramparts, lies in the military architecture of the city which testifies to the evolution of the construction techniques and the know-how of the Mâalems Fassis, trabsmis of a generation to the other.
Length: 10.5 kilometers
Duration of the visit: 2 hours by bus
Do not miss: Borj North and Borj South, bastions of the sixteenth century that offer the best panormama of the medina. Place Moulay Hassan with its monumental doors. Dar Makina (weapon factory) symbol of a powerful architecture. Lesportes du Palais Royal whose richness and harmony of decorations are to be appreciated.
Fez Jdid Tour
Almost a mile and a half, this circuit allows, in two hours of walking, the discovery of Fez Jdid, the ‘White City’ of the Marinid era (13th-14th century).
This royal city, founded to become the residence in the new dynasty, was endowed with a double enclosure of walls which was intended to better protect it and also to testify to the power and the glory of the Mérinides. It was named Fez Jdid (or white city) as opposed to the city of Fez al-Bali whose walls were weathered by the wear of time.
The circuit of Fez Jdid begins with the discovery of the Mellah, the oldest structured Jewish district of Morocco. It is possible to visit the Jewish cemetery and isolate yourself for a moment from the hustle and bustle of the medina to admire the layout of the white tombs, the vine bowers and the panorama of the surrounding hills. In addition to the 17th century Synagogue Ibn Danan, which has now been restored, the architectural originality of this district can be appreciated with its characteristic streets, balconies and openings on the outside, often decorated with wooden elements.
Length: 1.5 kilometers
Duration of the visit : 2 hours by bus
Do not miss: The Mellah, the oldest Jewish district of Morocco. To visit also, the cemetery and the cynagogue Ibn Danan. Bab Sammarin to appreciate for his power and his greatness. The street Fès Jdid, commercial heart of the Mérinide city. Place Moulay Hassan with its monumental doors, not to mention Dar Makina (weapons factory) symbol of a powerful architecture.
Crafts Circuit
This circuit, lasting three hours, extends over a kilometer and a half. Its purpose is to discover the crafts sector of Fez, a sector that has made the city’s wealth and has contributed to its fame.
By borrowing Talâa Kbira, we discover the largest shopping street in the medina and its beating heart of activity, life and animation. Several foundouks (caravanserais) are to be seen: Foundouk ‘Tazi’, Foundouk ‘kaât Smen’, Foundouk ‘Aachiche’. These buildings, used today as premises for commercial and artisanal use, are proof of the dynamism of the crafts sector in Fes and the effort of adaptation of its production workshops. Wood turners and weaving shops, usually open houses, invite tourists and pedestrians to admire the know-how of the artisan fassi and his manual skill. The circuit can extend outside the ramparts of the medina by visiting the potters’ quarter in Ain Nokbi. This shows the evolution and richness of the art of pottery and ceramics in Fez.
Length: 1.5 kilometers
Duration of the visit: 3 hours
Do not miss: Complex Nejjarine, one of the most beautiful urban and architectural complexes of Fez, admirable for the beauty and harmony of its components: the fundouk, the fountain and the souk. The souk Henna, one of the oldest souks in the medina, specializes in the sale of traditional cosmetics and pottery items. The tannery Chouara, the largest traditional tannery of Fez. It is still today a source of prosperity for Fassi craftsmanship.
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