Medina of Fez

The Medina of Fez is the historic core of the city of Fez in northern Morocco and one of the oldest and most extensive medieval Islamic cities still occupied today. Its origins date to the founding of the city in the 9th century, and it developed into a major centre of religion, learning and craft production.

The medina contains dense networks of alleys, mosques, madrasas and souks where traditional crafts such as tanning, metalwork and woodworking continue. Notable institutions include the historic university and mosque complex of Al-Qarawiyyin and richly decorated madrasas and caravanserais that form the commercial and learning heart of the old city.

The medina grew from early medieval foundations and expanded under successive dynasties, becoming a principal urban centre in Morocco. Its urban fabric and many monuments preserve architectural forms and craft traditions developed across the medieval and early modern periods.

The Medina of Fez sits within the modern city of Fez in the Fès-Meknès region of northern Morocco and occupies a large, largely car-free area around the old river course and historic walls.

• Best viewpoints: Rooftop terraces around the Tanneries and small cafes provide the best elevated views over the dye pits and medina rooftops.
• Navigation and guides: The medina is largely pedestrianised with narrow, often crowded streets; local guides are helpful for navigating historic quarters and craft areas.

What to See #

• Al-Qarawiyyin: Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University - founded in 859 CE, historically an important centre of Islamic learning and scholarship in the medieval period; it includes mosque, library and teaching spaces.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: Bou Inania Madrasa - a 14th century Marinid foundation known for ornate stone and wood decoration and its mosque-madrasa plan, dating to the mid-1300s.
• Chouara Tanneries: Chouara Tanneries - a neighbourhood of open-air dye and tanning pits where traditional leather processing continues in a centuries-old arrangement of vats and workshops.
• Nejjarine Museum: Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts - a restored funduq housing collections related to traditional woodworking and craft within the old medina core.