Fez, one of Morocco's most historic and cultural cities

Since Idris II founded it in 789, the city of Fez has been home to a wide range of infrastructure that recalls the historical and cultural legacy of the country and, above all, of those who settled in the area. 

If you are not from the area and want to explore the city, it is essential to hire a guide to immerse yourself in the narrow alleys without missing a single detail. Or even to avoid getting dizzy from all the twists and turns. 

Fez is home to places and sites that are a must-see and are very attractive to anyone visiting this historic Moroccan city. 

Below are some of the most picturesque architectural gems in Fez:

1. Batha Museum
2. Al-Qarawiyyin University
3. Bab Boujloud
4. Dar Al-Magana
5. Madrasa Bou Inania
6. Zawiya of Moulay Idris II

Batha Museum

For Maryam Amzian, a tour guide with Culture Insider, a tour of the city of Fez begins at the Batha Museum. Located right next to the Batha Hotel, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. It should be noted that it is currently closed. 

According to Museum with no Frontiers, it was originally a palace belonging to Sultan Hasan I that was used to accommodate guests. In the 20th century, it served as the headquarters of the French Protectorate. ‘It was later converted into a museum of indigenous art. Today it is the Batha Museum, an ethnographic museum and cultural activity centre,’ explains Museum with no Frontiers. 

The museum's collection consists of tiles, carpets, musical instruments, ceramics, carved wood and embroidery. Some of these pieces date back to the 14th century. 

The museum's appeal does not end there, however, as it also boasts Andalusian gardens. It has two rectangular courtyards that divide the garden into four parts, as well as two galleries with flowers and a fountain in the centre. There is also a pond, ceilings decorated with floral and geometric motifs, and copper lanterns. 

Al-Qarawiyyin University

Recognised by UNESCO as the oldest university in the world, the next destination is Al-Qarawiyyin University. It was founded and built by Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 as a madrasa. It has a mosque, several institutes, a Koranic school, a library and Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania. 

Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, visitors can enjoy the architecture of the building and the historical documents in the library. 

Bab Boujloud

To access the old part of Fez, you must pass through Bab Boujloud. According to Morocco Tours Agency, this is another of the must-see tourist attractions in the city of Fez. 

Built in 1913 by order of the French Protectorate, it is a large, slightly pointed horseshoe arch gate with a smaller one on each side. The most characteristic feature of this building is its striking blue colour, which changes with the light, and the green of its interior. Just in front of the gate, the first thing you come across is Rue Talaa Kebira, a souk that runs through the old city from east to west. 

Dar Al-Magana

Once inside Rue Talaa Kebira, just in the southern part of the street, you will find the clock house, better known as Dar Al-Magana. Sultan Abu Inan Faris of the Merinid dynasty ordered its construction in 1357, and it was King Abu Al-Hassan who supervised the process. 

Inside the house lies a clepsydra, or water clock. Although its operation is a mystery, The Explorers indicates that, ‘from the remains still visible on the façade, the 12 arched windows, through which automatons probably appeared, and the 12 platforms on which 12 bronze bowls rested, it seems that the clock worked according to the unequal hour system’. 

Madrasa Bou Inania

Passing through Dar Al-Magana, right next door, there is a doorway leading to a madrasa that also serves as a mosque on Fridays: Madrasa Bou Inania. It is a great example of Merinid architecture with its tiles, marble floor and green roof tiles. The diversity of materials and intricate designs combine to create an elegant and wonderful whole. 

It is a unique madrasa because it also serves as a mosque, two buildings that are usually separate. This partly explains why only the courtyard is accessible. The main reason why you are not allowed to go beyond the courtyard is because it is still an educational centre where students have been learning about the Muslim religion and the Quran since ancient times. 

Zawiya of Moulay Idris II

Near the same souk in the old city, among its alleys, lies the founder of Fez, Idris II, in the Zawiya (mausoleum) of Moulay Idris II. 

‘The mausoleum is part of an urban complex consisting of: Dar Al-Qaytun ('House of the Tent'), the first residence of Mulay Idris, mentor of the construction of the old city; the Al-Ashraf ('the nobles') mosque, place of prayer of the city's founder; and the fountain for ablutions,’ explains Museum with no Frontiers. 

Originally a mosque, it underwent various renovations and reconstructions by different dynasties. The Wattasids contributed to the splendour of the mausoleum when they allegedly discovered the remains of Idris II five centuries later, leading to the great renovation by Mulay Ismail. 

The prayer hall is decorated with carpets of different colours and is accessible from the main door. The religious temple is one of the most decorated in the country due to its stucco, mosaics and tiles. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, but you don't need to go inside to admire the beauty of this mosque-mausoleum.