FesOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

The Founding of Fes and its Early Development

Fes was founded in 789 AD by Idris I, the first Arab king of Morocco, on the right bank of the Fez River. His son, Idris II, established the city on both banks in 808 AD and made it the capital of the Idrisid dynasty. He welcomed Arab families from Cordoba (Spain) and Kairouan (Tunisia), who settled in separate quarters. These formed the two distinct parts of Fes el-Bali: the Qarawiyyin quarter and the Andalusian quarter. This influx of diverse populations contributed to Fes's early growth as a center of learning and commerce. By the 9th century, the Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Chouara Tannery were active, indicating the city's intellectual and economic life.

From Imperial Capital to Spiritual Center

Fes served as the capital for several Moroccan dynasties, including the Almoravids and the Marinids. Under the Marinids, particularly in the 13th and 14th centuries, Fes saw significant construction. They built new madrasas, hospitals, and mosques, reinforcing the city's reputation as a hub of Islamic scholarship. The Bou Inania Madrasa, completed in 1357, is an example of Marinid architecture. While the Alaouite dynasty later moved the capital to Meknes and then Rabat, Fes remained the spiritual and intellectual center of Morocco. The city's medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It preserves much of its medieval character, with its narrow alleys and historic buildings offering a tangible link to its past.

• —Al-Attarine Madrasa — This 14th-century madrasa, built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said, features zellige tilework, carved cedarwood, and stucco decoration. Visitors can observe the central courtyard and the students' cells.
• —Chouara Tannery — One of the oldest and largest tanneries in Fes, dating back to the 11th century. From balconies overlooking the pits, workers process leather using traditional, natural dyes.
• —Bab Bou Jeloud — This gate, built in 1913, serves as the main western entrance to Fes el-Bali. Its blue and green zellige tiles on either side represent the city's colors, with blue facing outwards towards the new city and green facing inwards towards the medina.
• —Jnan Sbil Gardens — These public gardens, established in the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, offer a quiet space. They contain fountains, palm trees, bamboo groves, and a large central pond.
• —Seffarine Square — This square is the center of the coppersmiths' quarter. Artisans hammer out pots, trays, and other metalware in their workshops.
• —Al-Qarawiyyin University — Founded in 859 AD, it is recognized as an old, continuously operating university. While the interior is generally not accessible to non-Muslims, its architecture can be viewed from surrounding streets and courtyards.

The best time to visit Fes is during spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). Temperatures are typically between 20°C and 28°C, and the light is suitable for photography. Crowds are also smaller than in peak summer. Avoid visiting in July and August, when temperatures can exceed 40°C, making sightseeing difficult. Winter (November to March) can be cool, with occasional rain, and some smaller establishments might have reduced hours. Public holidays and festivals can bring a lively atmosphere but also larger crowds and potential closures.

Fes–Saïs Airport (FEZ) is about 15 kilometers south of the city center; taxis are available for the 20-30 minute ride. The ONCF train station, in the Ville Nouvelle, connects Fes to major Moroccan cities. Within Fes el-Bali, the medina is largely car-free, so walking is the primary mode of transport. Expect narrow, winding alleys and uneven surfaces. For longer distances or with luggage, small donkeys and mules transport goods within the medina. Outside the medina, blue petit taxis are inexpensive and can be hailed on the street. Parking is available at designated lots outside the medina gates, such as Bab Bou Jeloud or Bab Guissa. Many shops in the medina observe a siesta in the early afternoon.