Fes

Fes is often referred to as the spiritual capital of Morocco

Fes (or Fez)

Located in northern/inland Morocco, is the 2nd largest city in Morocco with a population of 1.2 million+.  Languages are Berber and Arabic.

 

Climate

Fes weather shifts from relatively cool (average 60*) and wet in the Winter to hot (average *90) and dry in the Summer months between June and September. Snowfall occurs on average, every 3-5 years. 

Economy

Historically, one of Morocco’s main centers for trade and craftsmanship. Tanneries provide the major source for exports and economic sustenance.  Until the late 1800’s the city was the only place in the world that made fez hats.  The area around the city is rich for agriculture where they grow grapes, olives, beans, cereals and livestock.  Tourism is a major industry, including Religious tourism.

Language

Moroccan Arabic, Modern-Standard Arabic, Berber (Tamazight), French, English 

 

Things to see and do  

 

Art: The Maghrebi Arabic script is an important part of the history of visual arts in Fes. The city’s main museums are housed in historic monuments. The Houria Cultural Complex houses a theatre, a media library, and exhibition spaces. There are institutes that promote French, Spanish, and English courses.

 

Festivals: Fes hosts the annual World Sacred Music Festival in May/June, started in 1994, and showcases religious music from around the world.  

The annual Festival of Amazigh Culture takes place in July with performances from musicians and artists from across Morocco..

Funduq or foundouks: the old city of Fes includes more than 100 funduqs (traditional inns or urban commercial buildings that housed the workshops of artisans or provided lodging for the merchants and travelers.

Gardens: Jnane Sbile Garden, between Fes Jdid and Fes el-Bali, is the oldest surviving garden in Fes. It was created in the 19th century.  Many of the aristocratic mansions had private gardens and others exist on grounds of historic palaces of the city.

Hammams (bath houses): Fes has preserved many of its traditional/public bath houses which continue to be used by the local people. They consist of a changing room, cold room, warm room, and hot room.  

Medina: This is a great place for finding unique and authentic souvenirs, from leather goods, carpets, jewelry, to spices and poufs, you will love absorbing the culture and art and finding the perfect gifts and memories to take home.

There are many mosques and synagogues, tombs and mausoleums

Historic places and residences: The typical traditional house (dar/riad) is centered around an internal courtyard. Many of these have been preserved and are now used as hotels for the tourism industry. The city contains several royal palaces as well. Dar Batha, a former palace, has been turned into a museum of historical art and artifacts. 

Universities: the University of al-Qarawiyyin is considered by some to be the oldest continually operating university in the world and remains an important institution of learning to this day.

Transportation: 

Main International Airport is located south of city center. 

Main train station (ONCF) is located a short distance from downtown and is connected to Oujda (east), and Tangier and Casablanca to the west. 

The main bus terminal is located just north of Bab Mahr

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