Medina of Fez
Location: Fez, Morocco
Year of Inscription: 1981
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Medina of Fez is a historic city located in the northern part of Morocco. It was founded in the 9th century and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and urban layout. The medina is a maze-like network of narrow streets and alleys, with traditional houses, mosques, and madrasas (Islamic schools) dating back to the 13th century. The area is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with traditional markets, music, and art.
Prominent Features: The Medina of Fez is divided into two main parts: Fes el-Bali (Old Fez) and Fes el-Jdid (New Fez). Some of the most notable features of the medina include:
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University: Founded in 859 AD, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
Bou Inania Madrasa: Built in the 14th century, the Bou Inania Madrasa is known for its intricate tile work and stucco carvings.
Dar Batha Museum: Housed in a 19th-century palace, the Dar Batha Museum contains a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
Medersa Bou Inania: Built in the 14th century, the Medersa Bou Inania is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, with intricate carvings and tile work.
History: The Medina of Fez was founded in the 9th century and quickly became an important center of Islamic culture and scholarship. The city was the capital of Morocco until the early 20th century and played a key role in the country's political and cultural development. Today, the medina remains one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the medina, visit traditional markets, and learn about Islamic culture and history at the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University.
Fun Fact: The Medina of Fez is home to the oldest leather tannery in the world, the Chouara Tannery, which still uses traditional methods to dye and tan leather.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to explore the Medina of Fez. However, some of the individual sites within the medina, such as museums and madrasas, may charge an admission fee.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to Fez is the Fes-Saïs Airport, which has flights to several major cities in Europe and Africa. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the medina.
By Train: Fez has a train station that connects to several major cities in Morocco, including Marrakech and Casablanca.
By Bus: Fez is also accessible by bus from several other cities in Morocco, including Rabat and Meknes.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the medina, including traditional riads (Moroccan-style guesthouses) and modern hotels. Some popular options include the Riad Fes, the Palais Amani, and the Hotel Sahrai.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Year of Inscription: 1981
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Medina of Fez is a historic city located in the northern part of Morocco. It was founded in the 9th century and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and urban layout. The medina is a maze-like network of narrow streets and alleys, with traditional houses, mosques, and madrasas (Islamic schools) dating back to the 13th century. The area is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with traditional markets, music, and art.
Prominent Features: The Medina of Fez is divided into two main parts: Fes el-Bali (Old Fez) and Fes el-Jdid (New Fez). Some of the most notable features of the medina include:
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University: Founded in 859 AD, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
Bou Inania Madrasa: Built in the 14th century, the Bou Inania Madrasa is known for its intricate tile work and stucco carvings.
Dar Batha Museum: Housed in a 19th-century palace, the Dar Batha Museum contains a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
Medersa Bou Inania: Built in the 14th century, the Medersa Bou Inania is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, with intricate carvings and tile work.
History: The Medina of Fez was founded in the 9th century and quickly became an important center of Islamic culture and scholarship. The city was the capital of Morocco until the early 20th century and played a key role in the country's political and cultural development. Today, the medina remains one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the medina, visit traditional markets, and learn about Islamic culture and history at the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University.
Fun Fact: The Medina of Fez is home to the oldest leather tannery in the world, the Chouara Tannery, which still uses traditional methods to dye and tan leather.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to explore the Medina of Fez. However, some of the individual sites within the medina, such as museums and madrasas, may charge an admission fee.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport to Fez is the Fes-Saïs Airport, which has flights to several major cities in Europe and Africa. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the medina.
By Train: Fez has a train station that connects to several major cities in Morocco, including Marrakech and Casablanca.
By Bus: Fez is also accessible by bus from several other cities in Morocco, including Rabat and Meknes.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the medina, including traditional riads (Moroccan-style guesthouses) and modern hotels. Some popular options include the Riad Fes, the Palais Amani, and the Hotel Sahrai.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Volubilis