The lanes of the imperial medina, the city’s early history and the Musée Nejjjarine offer different ways to experience Fes. If you are weighing up a destination, the historic urban layout, traditional wooden objects and market offerings related to beauty care can each provide a distinct focus. Golf is also one of the sports highlighted in Fes. Alongside the cultural sites, there are other interests that may play a role in deciding where to stay.
The medina and finding your way
If you would like to explore the medina on foot, you can stroll through its lanes. Bab Boujloud is the easiest entrance to the medina. From the area around the medina, the minaret of the Karaouiyine Mosque can be seen in the distance. These offer two different points of reference: the gate leads into the medina, while the minaret is visible from its surroundings.
Early city history and historic sites
The medina of Fes is considered the oldest and largest in Morocco. It preserves the memory of the capital founded by the Idrisid dynasty between 789 and 808 AD. The original city consisted of two large fortified quarters, separated by the Fez Wadi: the banks of the Andalous and the Kaïrouanais. The watercourse and named quarters provide specific points of reference for the city’s early layout.
Another historic point of reference is Place de Bab Makina. Official ceremonies of the royal palace were once held there. Its former role adds the ceremonial use of a square to the history of the capital.
The Musée Nejjjarine and its wooden objects
The Musée Nejjjarine, also known as the Musée du bois de Fès, opened in 1998 and is housed in an inn dating from the 18th century. The building was constructed in the early 18th century to provide food and lodging for merchants carrying luxury goods on their way to Fes. The inn’s former function and the museum’s opening in 1998 are two distinct points in time associated with the same place.
Traditional wooden objects are displayed at the Musée Nejjjarine, including tools, furniture and musical instruments. The doors of the Bou Inania Madrasa are also featured. The exhibits span three floors. The objects mentioned bring together everyday items and a named architectural element of the madrasa; their distribution across several floors is another specific aspect of the exhibition. If you are interested in wooden objects, this offers a different way to experience the city than strolling through the medina or looking at its early layout.
Markets and sports as other interests
El Henna market sells products used by Moroccan women for beauty care. This provides a specific market-related theme alongside the historic sites and the museum. Golf is also one of the sports highlighted in Fes. When comparing it with other destinations, you can consider these interests separately: the medina, city history and museum offer cultural focuses, while market products and sports provide other themes.
Considering Fes as a destination
To decide whether Fes is right for your stay, you can consider which of these perspectives matters to you: the lanes of the medina, its historical development, the wooden collection at the Musée Nejjjarine, or other interests such as markets and sports. These different focuses provide a concrete basis for assessing Fes as a destination and then looking for hotels for your stay.
Discover more pages: Ville Nouvelle.
Discover more destinations: Brija, Sefrou, Bhalil, Moulay Yacoub, Caïd Bou Malla, El Adergha, Oulad Mkoudou.
Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Fès-Boulemane.
