Fes: Medina and city history

Medina, orientation and city history

Fes offers a clear thematic starting point: the lanes of the imperial medina and the city’s history. Visitors can stroll through the lanes. The national tourism authority describes the medina as the oldest and largest in Morocco. This provides a distinctive focus for travellers who would first like to get to know Fes through its historic centre. Bab Boujloud is the easiest way into the medina. From the area around the medina, the minaret of the Karaouiyine Mosque can be seen in the distance. Alongside a walk around the medina, this view offers a second point of interest.

The original city of Fes consisted of two large fortified quarters, separated by the Fez Wadi: the banks of the Andalous and the Kaïrouanais. The medina preserves the memory of the capital founded by the Idrisid dynasty between 789 and 808 AD. These two aspects complement each other: the quarters describe the layout of the original city, while the dynastic foundation places the capital in its historical period. The early urban structure and the history of the Idrisids thus offer different perspectives on Fes.

Another historic site is Place de Bab Makina. Official ceremonies of the royal palace were once held there. This connection adds a specific place and its former ceremonial role to the history of the medina. Those interested in different historical perspectives can consider the city’s beginnings alongside the former use of Place de Bab Makina.

The Musée Nejjjarine and its wood collection

The Musée Nejjjarine is housed in an 18th-century inn. It was built in the early 18th century to provide food and lodging for merchants carrying luxury goods on their way to Fes. The museum displays traditional wooden objects, including tools, furniture and musical instruments, as well as the doors of the Medersa Bou Inania. The exhibits span three floors. The building’s history, its former function as an inn and its collection offer different perspectives on this place. The objects range from tools to furniture and musical instruments, while the doors of the Medersa Bou Inania form another specific part of the exhibition.

Markets, sport and choosing a starting point

The El Henna market offers a different point of interest: it sells products used by Moroccan women for beauty care. This is a different way to explore the area from the wooden objects and the history of the inn at the Musée Nejjjarine. Golf is also one of the sports highlighted in Fes. The city’s history and collection objects thus sit alongside market products and a sport. The market is defined by the products on offer, while golf is included as a sport.

When choosing a holiday rental in Fes, it is helpful to first decide what mix of themes you are looking for. If the medina is your main focus, you can make its lanes, Bab Boujloud and the view of the minaret your main interests. If city history and material culture are more important, you can also explore the early urban structure, Place de Bab Makina and the wood collection at the Musée Nejjjarine. The market and golf offer other points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Ville Nouvelle, El Adergha, Oulad Mkoudou, Sefrou, Caïd Bou Malla, El Ksabi, Moulay Yacoub, Imouzzer Kandar.

Return to the main travel overview: Fès-Boulemane.