The ancient medina & tanneries
Fes
فاس · The world's largest living medieval city
Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart, home to the largest car-free urban area on earth. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a bewildering, intact medieval world of 9,000 alleys, ancient madrasas and the famous leather tanneries.
Top sightsSights
Fes el-Bali medina
A UNESCO labyrinth of alleys, the world’s largest car-free urban zone.
Chouara Tannery
Centuries-old stone dye pits best viewed from surrounding terraces.
Al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859, considered the oldest existing university.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A masterpiece of Marinid carved cedar and zellige tilework.
Bab Bou Jeloud
The ornate blue-tiled gate into the old city.
What to eatFood
Pastilla
A sweet-savory pigeon or chicken pie dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Harira
A hearty tomato, lentil and chickpea soup.
Maakouda
Spiced potato fritters sold as street food.
Good to know
- A local guide is genuinely useful in the vast medina.
- Carry mint or scarf near the tanneries for the strong smell.
- Respect prayer times and dress modestly.
Getting there
Fes–Saïss Airport (FEZ) has European flights; fast trains link Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier.
Next city
Casablanca