Fes: Morocco's Cultural Capital

Explore the ancient medina and rich traditions of Morocco's spiritual heart

Culinary Delights

Authentic Fes Cuisine

Fes is renowned for its refined culinary traditions that have been perfected over centuries, blending Andalusian and Arab influences...

Must-Try Specialties

Pastilla - Sweet and savory pigeon pie
Fassi Tagine - Slow-cooked with prunes and almonds
Harira - Traditional lentil and tomato soup
Mechoui - Slow-roasted lamb
Sfenj - Moroccan doughnuts
Mint Tea - Served in ornate silver teapots

Cultural Treasures

Heritage & Landmarks

Discover Fes's UNESCO-listed medina, ancient madrasas, and vibrant artisan quarters that preserve Morocco's living history...

Top Attractions

Fes el Bali - The world's largest medina
Al Quaraouiyine University - Oldest existing university
Bou Inania Madrasa - Architectural masterpiece
Chouara Tanneries - Ancient leather dyeing pits
Dar Batha Museum - Showcasing Moroccan arts
Merenid Tombs - Panoramic city views
Al-Attarine Madrasa - Exquisite Islamic architecture

City Map

Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, located in the northern inland region about 200 km east of Rabat. As the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, it serves as the country's center of traditional learning and craftsmanship. Fes was founded in the 9th century by Idris I and reached its golden age under the Marinid dynasty in the 13th-15th centuries, becoming one of the Islamic world's great centers of education and culture.

Imperial Jewel

Medina Living & Culture

Fes shines as Morocco's spiritual and intellectual capital, boasting stunning medieval architecture and a vibrant artisan tradition. The city features historic landmarks like Al Quaraouiyine University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Chouara Tanneries. As the oldest imperial city, it offers cultural attractions including the Dar Batha Museum and the sprawling Fes el Bali medina. Fes blends ancient Islamic scholarship with traditional craftsmanship through its labyrinthine alleys, historic funduqs, and authentic souks.

Traditional Kitchens in Fes

Andalusian Kitchen Designs

Fes's traditional kitchens showcase a harmonious blend of Moorish elegance and Moroccan craftsmanship. Signature elements include:

Intricate zellij tilework with geometric patterns
Hand-carved cedar wood cabinetry and shelving
Central hearths for traditional tagine cooking
Copper utensils and ceramic cookware
Built-in bread ovens for khobz and msemen

As Morocco's cultural capital, Fes features exquisite kitchen designs in its riads and historic homes that have preserved culinary traditions for centuries while maintaining functional spaces for elaborate meal preparation.

Fes's Signature Dishes

Experience the imperial flavors of Fes through its most celebrated Andalusian and traditional specialties

Imperial Dish

Fassi Pastilla

The iconic sweet-savory pigeon pie with almonds and cinnamon, wrapped in delicate warqa pastry, a culinary masterpiece of Fes.

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Celebration Dish

Fassi Mechoui

Whole lamb slow-roasted with cumin and saffron, traditionally served at weddings and important gatherings in Fes.

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Ramadan Essential

Fassi Harira

The rich tomato and lentil soup of Fes, enhanced with chickpeas, lamb and a special blend of spices, traditionally served to break the fast.

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Signature Tagine

Tagine Fassi

Fes's famous lamb tagine with prunes, almonds and sesame seeds, slow-cooked to perfection with subtle spices.

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Street Food

Fassi Msemen

Flaky, layered pancakes served with honey or amlou, a staple breakfast in Fes's medina alleys.

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Confections

Fassi Sweets

Delicate pastries like briouat, chebakia and fekkas, showcasing Fes's refined patisserie traditions.

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As the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, Fes is a living museum of history, culture, and spirituality. Founded in the 9th century, its UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, vibrant souks, and ancient madrasas.

The city remains the heart of Moroccan tradition, where artisans practice centuries-old crafts like leather tanning and mosaic zellige tilework.

Fes is home to the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine, and the iconic Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture. The famous Chouara Tannery, with its colorful dye pits, offers a glimpse into medieval leather production. Beyond the medina, the Royal Palace’s golden gates and Jnan Sbil Gardens provide serene escapes from the bustling streets.

Unlike modern cities, Fes thrives on tradition—where donkeys still carry goods through cobbled streets, and the call to prayer echoes over terracotta rooftops. Its festivals, like the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, attract global visitors. For those seeking authenticity, Fes is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual epicenter.

Fes is a paradise for food lovers, where street stalls serve up rich, aromatic flavors. Must-try dishes include b’ssara (fava bean soup), harira (tomato-lentil soup), and snail soup, a local favorite. The medina’s food stalls also offer maakouda (spicy potato fritters) and sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts).

Don’t miss R’ziza (Moroccan pancakes with honey) or b’stilla (a sweet-savory pigeon pie dusted with cinnamon). For a quick bite, try grilled lamb kebabs or msemen (flaky, layered bread). The best spots? Head to Place R’cif or Boujloud Square at dusk for a feast under the lantern lights.

Fes’s sweets are legendary—chebakia (sesame honey cookies), sellou (nutty energy balls), and fresh figs with walnuts are staples. Pair them with mint tea from a traditional café for the perfect end to a medina adventure.

Fes's Legendary Street Food

Discover the Authentic Street Food Culture of Fes's Ancient Medina

Breakfast

Fassi Msemen

The flaky, layered pancakes of Fes are a breakfast staple, served with honey, amlou (almond-argan paste), or stuffed with minced meat. Found throughout the medina, the best versions are cooked over clay griddles in the R'cif district, where the technique has been perfected over generations.

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Ramadan Essential

Fassi Harira

The rich tomato and lentil soup of Fes is renowned throughout Morocco. Enhanced with chickpeas, lamb, and a special blend of spices including fenugreek, it's traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan. The best versions can be found near the Qaraouiyine Mosque at sunset.

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Grilled Meats

Fassi Liver Brochettes

A Fes specialty, these skewers of marinated liver and fat are grilled over charcoal and served with cumin and salt. The most famous vendors are found near the Bou Jeloud gate, where the aroma of grilling meat fills the air each evening. Often served with grilled peppers and fresh bread.

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Confections

Fassi Sweets

Fes is famous for its delicate pastries like briouat (filled with almond paste), chebakia (sesame cookies), and fekkas (biscotti-like treats). The best sweet shops cluster around the Seffarine Square, where recipes have been guarded secrets for centuries. Don't miss the honey-drenched sellou, a Fes specialty.

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Unique Specialty

Fes Snail Soup

A beloved Fes street food, this aromatic broth contains small snails cooked with a blend of 15 spices including licorice root and mint. Served steaming hot from large pots near the Batha Museum, locals believe it has medicinal properties. The traditional way to eat them is with a pin to extract the meat.

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Tea Culture

Fassi Mint Tea

Fes has perfected the art of Moroccan tea, served in ornate silver pots with fresh mint and generous sugar. The tea stalls near the Nejjarine Fountain are institutions, where the tea masters pour from dramatic heights to aerate the tea. Often served with traditional sweets like kaab el ghzal ("gazelle horns").

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Winter Comfort

Fassi Bessara

This hearty fava bean soup is a winter staple in Fes, flavored with cumin and olive oil. Unlike coastal versions, Fes's bessara is thicker and often served with preserved meats. The best is found in the pre-dawn hours near the tanneries, where workers fuel up before their long day.

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SOME TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING MOROCCAN CUISINE IN FES:

1. Try a Tagine in a Traditional Restaurant

Fes is famous for its slow-cooked tagines, such as Chicken with Preserved Lemon & Olives or Lamb with Prunes & Almonds. Head to spots like Restaurant Dar Tajine or Café Restaurant Nejjarine for an authentic taste.

2. Explore Street Food & Local Specialties

- Don’t miss these must-try dishes:

Fassi Msemen (flaky, buttery pancakes, often served with honey).
Harira (a hearty lentil and tomato soup, especially popular during Ramadan).
Fassi Grilled Meat (tender lamb or beef skewers with aromatic spices).

3. Visit the Old Medina’s Food Markets

- Wander through Souk El Attarine (spice market) or Souk Nejjarine to sample:

Freshly baked bread from communal wood-fired ovens.
Bissara (a creamy fava bean soup, a local breakfast favorite).
Dried fruits, nuts, and olives sold in vibrant stalls.

4. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class

Learn to make classic dishes like Pastilla (sweet-savory pigeon pie) or Couscous Fassi (with seven vegetables) at places like Fes Cooking School or Maison Moi Anan.

5. Sip Mint Tea at a Rooftop Café

Enjoy Morocco’s famous "Atay Naanaa" with panoramic views of the medina at spots like Café Clock or Riad Rcif.

6. Try Fes’ Unique Sweets

Indulge in Chebakia (honey-coated sesame cookies) or Sellou (a rich, nutty dessert often served during celebrations).

Fes is a food lover’s paradise—every corner of its ancient streets offers a delicious surprise! Would you like recommendations for specific dietary preferences? 😊

TOURISM IN FEZ

UNESCO Site

Fes el Bali

The world's largest medina and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes el Bali is a labyrinth of 9,400 alleys dating back to the 9th century. Explore historic madrasas, traditional funduqs, and artisan workshops that preserve ancient crafts.

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Historic

Al Quaraouiyine

Founded in 859 AD, this is the world's oldest existing university and a center of Islamic learning. The stunning architecture includes intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and peaceful courtyards.

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Traditional

Chouara Tanneries

Fes's iconic leather tanneries have operated since medieval times using the same methods. Watch workers dye hides in vibrant colored pits from surrounding terraces, then browse the leather goods in nearby shops.

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Architecture

Bou Inania Madrasa

The most magnificent theological college in Fes, built in the 1350s. Marvel at the exquisite zellij tilework, carved stucco, and massive bronze doors. Still functioning as both a mosque and school.

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Panoramic View

Merenid Tombs

These 14th-century ruins on a hilltop offer Fes's best panoramic views, especially at sunset. The crumbling tombs provide a peaceful retreat with breathtaking vistas over the entire medina.

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GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

Fes is Morocco's spiritual capital located in the northern inland region, nestled between the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains.

Coordinates: 34°02′N 4°58′W
Area: 320 km² (124 sq mi)
Elevation: 410 m (1,350 ft)

DEMOGRAPHICS

Fes is the second largest city in Morocco and a center of Islamic learning.

City population: 1.2 million
Metro population: 1.8 million
Population density: 3,750/km²
Growth rate: 2.1% annually

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Fes has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences:

Summer (Jun-Sep): 18-35°C (64-95°F), dry
Winter (Dec-Feb): 5-15°C (41-59°F), rainy
Annual rainfall: 600 mm (24 in)
Record high: 46°C (115°F)

CULTURE & LANGUAGES

Fes is the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco with deep Islamic roots.

Primary language: Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Local language: Fessi Arabic dialect
Religions: Predominantly Muslim (99%)
Cultural mix: Arab, Andalusian, Amazigh influences

ECONOMY & CURRENCY

Fes's economy is based on traditional crafts, tourism, and education.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Key industries: Handicrafts, leather, tourism
Major exports: Leather goods, ceramics, textiles
GDP contribution: ~7% of national GDP

TRANSPORTATION

Fes has good transportation connections despite its medieval medina:

Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ): 15km from city
CTM buses: Connections to major cities
Trains: ONCF rail connections nationwide
Taxis: Petit taxis (city) and grand taxis (intercity)
Medina: Pedestrian-only, accessible by foot or donkey

Key Highlights of Fes:

Home to Al Quaraouiyine, the world's oldest university (founded 859 AD)

Largest intact medieval medina in the world (UNESCO World Heritage)

Center of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and leather production

Spiritual capital of Morocco with over 300 mosques

Fes: Morocco's Imperial Jewel

Discover the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco

Fes is ranked among Morocco's most culturally significant cities

Geography & Location

Fes is strategically located in northern Morocco, between the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains.

Coordinates: 34°02′N 4°58′W
Area: 320 km² (124 sq mi)
Elevation: 410 m (1,350 ft)
Medina area: 280 hectares

Climate & Weather

Fes has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters.

Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Summer highs: 35-40°C (95-104°F)
Winter lows: 5-10°C (41-50°F)
Annual rainfall: 600 mm (24 in)

Cultural Highlights

Fes is Morocco's center of Islamic learning and traditional craftsmanship.

Al Quaraouiyine University (859 AD)
Fes el Bali - UNESCO World Heritage
Chouara Tanneries - Medieval leather works
Bou Inania Madrasa - Architectural gem

Culture & Heritage

A living museum of Islamic civilization and Moroccan traditions.

Over 300 mosques and madrasas
Center of Andalusian music
Traditional artisan quarters
Spiritual capital of Morocco

Economy & Industry

Fes's economy thrives on craftsmanship, education and tourism.

World-famous leather goods
Traditional ceramic production
Center of Islamic scholarship
Growing cultural tourism

Transportation

Fes is well-connected while preserving its medieval character.

Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ)
Rail connections to major cities
Modern highway network
Medina accessible by foot only

Why Visit Fes?

World's oldest university (founded 859 AD)

Largest intact medieval medina in the world

Center of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship

Spiritual heart of Morocco with 300+ mosques

Fes - UNESCO World Heritage City

Key Information

Fes is Morocco's spiritual capital and oldest imperial city, founded in the 9th century. With a population of about 1.2 million, it's known for its medieval medina and Islamic heritage.

Population: ~1.2 million
Area: 320 km²
Time Zone: GMT+1
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)