Attractions
Karaouine Mosque
This enormous mosque has been central to Fez’s Islamic education for more than a thousand years. While non-Muslims are not allowed inside, sometimes the doors are open, allowing a peek inside. Many of the Islamic schools, called madrasas, that surround the mosque are open to the public. The 14th century Attarin Madrasa is known for its bronze door and ornate courtyard, which is adorned with marble, alabaster and cedar decorations.
Address: Medina.
Tanneries
The tanners’ quarter is an excellent place to watch one of Morocco’s most famous crafts in process. But be prepared. The soft, high quality, Moroccan leather is the end result of a very smelly process. Terraces above Fez’s leather shops provide a great view of the honeycombed web of dye pools and skins in the tanners’ yard below. If you can handle the smell of guano and pigeon droppings used in the tanning process, it won’t cost you anything to watch from the terraces. However, you are expected to look around the leather shops or tip the owner for the use of their terrace.
Address: Bab Debbagh (Tannery Gate).
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am – 6pm
City Gates
The main entrance for tourists, Bab Boujloud, was built in 1913 despite its aged appearance, and is one of several entrances to the ancient city. It lies on the western side of the city and is known for its bright decorations and surrounding hotels and cafés. The original, 12th-century gate still stands right next to it. Bab Er Rsif is the central gate and opens onto a square with a mosque of the same name. Bab el-Ftouhis opens to the cemeteries in the southeast side of the city. Bab Guissa lies in the north, close to the Merenid tombs.
Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
Deep in the heart of the old city, this shrine is considered one of the holiest of all of Fez’s buildings. It keeps the remains of Fez’s founder, Moulay Idriss II, and is not open to non-Muslim visitors. You may be able to peer inside without entering and see the saint’s tomb, which is honoured by a group of women who burn candles and incense in a ritual tribute to the deceased.
