Fez

Fès or Fez is the third largest city in Morocco with about one million inhabitants. It is the oldest of the country's four royal cities (as well as Marrakech, Meknès and Rabat) and was considered the intellectual center of the region after the founding of Qarawiyin University.

The old town, a prime example of the oriental city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. In terms of area, it is said to be the largest medieval old town in the world. The deep blue of the ceramics is considered the symbol of Fès, next to the green roofs of the sacred buildings, which shape the image of the city from a bird's eye view.

Today Fès consists of three districts, each of which can be assigned to one epoch of the town's history:

The old town, (Fès el Bali/el Medina el Qadima), consists of the district around the Qarawiyīn mosque or university, which was the centre of public life after its foundation in 859. It is enclosed by the city wall. The two citadels (Borj Nord and Borj Sud), located on the hills above the old town, were also built during the Saadian period.

The medieval new town (Fes el Jedid) dates back to the Merinid dynasty (1244-1465), who declared Fès the capital of their empire from 1248. In the centre are the royal palace and the Jewish quarter (Mellah).

The Ville Nouvelle was built at the instigation of Marshal Lyautey and according to the plans of the French architect Henri Prost during the time of the Protectorate as a new town near the Dar Debibagh fortress south of Fès el Jedid. Initially built as a residential area for the Europeans, the "Ville Nouvelle" developed further as a modern Arab city with newer villa districts. Authorities, institutions and service companies have settled here. In terms of area and population, the Ville Nouvelle today makes up the largest part of the city and the obligatory promenades (Boulevard Hassan II, Avenue Mohammed V.). It is also home to the largest cinemas (Empire, Rex) and a McDonald's branch with a view of the green hills between the old town and the Ville Nouvelle.

In the old town of Fès el Bali you will find most of the sights. In the approximately 9,000 alleys - according to the tour guides - one meets the original life like in no other Arabic city. Men in traditional djellabas, tunic-like garments with sewn-on hoods, stride through the narrow streets. Again and again one is called upon with Attention! or the equivalent Arabic word (Barrack!) to clear the way for trucks, which are pushed or pulled by men or donkeys. When avoiding them you have to be careful not to step on one of the well-fed cats. Occasionally you will also meet a rider on his horse. Craftsmen and traders of all colours offer their goods more or less loudly. Beggars sit on many corners, especially those that are touched by the tourist groups. Many holy places are open for everyone to pray, meditate or sleep.