Fes walk and talk Medina guided tour

Overview

When Moulay Idriss the 1st entered Morocco, fleeing the Abbasid persecution, he founded the 1st imperial dynasty in Morocco in AD789. He settled down with his army in an area where he was hit with an ax to start construction, from that time it’s called Fes which means an ax in English. Fes is considered to be the oldest imperial city in Morocco. The Medina of Fes with the 9000 alleyways that make it a maze is the embodiment of the country’s history and its spiritual and religious capital, and has been declared a WHS by UNESCO. It consists of two parts, the Fes El-Bali, the historic centre that enclosed within its defensive walls and Fes El-jadid, the imperial city of the Marinids.

Itinerary :

The oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco, and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore, Fes has undergone little colonial development adding to its medieval appeal. The most complete medina in the Arab world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes is made up of three main points of interest: Fes el Bali (old Fes, the medina, and where you will spend most of your time), Fes el Jdid (‘new’ Fes), and the French-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide to learning more about the history and culture of Fes, and most importantly, to help you navigate the medina.
Begin your tour in Fes el Bali, starting at the Bab Boujeloud gate that welcomes you onto Talâa Kebira. Discover the wares for sale in the souks (markets) and shops as you pass the Spanish- and Tunisian-influenced architecture. One of the most unique sights in the old Medina is the tanneries and Chouara Tannery is no exception. Climb to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a better view of the 11th-century stone pots filled with dye and men working. Follow your guide to Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque (859 CE). If you’re lucky, you may be able to sneak a peek inside the Library.

Highlights

• The Medina (Old town)
• Al- Qarawiyin University, Library and Mosque
• Chouara Tannery
• The Souks