[2024 Fes Attraction] Travel Guide for Mosque and University Kairaouine (Updated Nov)
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Fes-Meknes
Mosques
Schools
Address:
Fes, Morocco
Opening times:
Open today at 8:15-21:55Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+212-5-35753601
Morocco 🇲🇦 The easiest city to get lost in the world
📍Fez, located in Morocco, is the first Islamic city in North Africa and is known as a thousand-year-old city.
🔹Fes is composed of an old city and a new city. The old city is one of the largest existing typical medieval-style cities in the world.
🔸The old town has a maze of more than 9,000 streets and alleys. Even the GPS will fail. People who get lost easily must pay attention⚠️but it also has fascinating scenery.
🔹Fez Royal Palace
Although the main entrance looks very gorgeous, the palace is still used as the royal family's office and residence from time to time, so the interior is not open to the public.
🔸Burilu Blue Gate
A must-visit place in the old city. The color of the entire door is full of mysterious sapphire blue, because the walls are covered with blue mosaic tiles, creating a mysterious pattern and a very Islamic style.
🔹Karouin Library
This is the oldest yet unknown Islamic library in the world.
🔸Dye factory
Fez's ability to produce high-quality dyed leather undoubtedly relies on workers jumping into large dyeing vats one after another to massage the sheepskin to make it softer. Following thousands of years of ancient methods, no chemicals are added, but natural ammonia is used to soften the leather, making it easier to color.
⚠️ Google navigation is not available, but you can use markers to get an approximate idea of your location and direction.
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SYHK
The old buildings of the Fez medina
Quranic School: Attracts numerous students and scholars to settle in Fez. Everywhere you look there are exquisite Moorish carvings.
University of Al Quaraouiyine: One of the oldest existing universities in the world, it is an institution that teaches and disseminates the Quran, and is 300 years older than the University of Oxford.
Al Quaraouiyine Mosque: It is also the oldest and most important mosque in Fez. It is also the largest mosque in Morocco.
There are many more places worth visiting in the old city...
Travelpreneur
Fez's Timeless Medina
Fez, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, offered an immersive journey into a city where time seems to stand still within the walls of its ancient medina. Entering Fez el Bali, the world's largest car-free urban zone, I was enveloped in a labyrinth of narrow lanes, brimming with centuries-old crafts, vibrant markets, and the rich tapestry of Islamic architecture.
The medina's lifeblood is its souks, where artisans practice traditional crafts passed down through generations. From the intricate weaving of Berber carpets to the delicate art of zellij tilework, every corner revealed the depth of Fez's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The sounds of hammering from the copperware souk, the scent of spices and tanned leather, and the sight of donkeys laden with goods navigating the alleyways provided a sensory feast that was both overwhelming and exhilarating.
The architectural crown of the medina is the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD, making it one of the world's oldest universities. Although access to the mosque is restricted to Muslims, the glimpses of its grand courtyard and the knowledge of its historic significance as a center of learning and spirituality added a profound layer of awe to my exploration.
Another gem within the medina is the Bou Inania Madrasa, an exemplary model of Marinid architecture. The madrasa, open to visitors of all faiths, showcased stunning Islamic calligraphy, cedar woodcarvings, and the detailed stucco work that adorns its walls and facades. The tranquility of its inner courtyard, with a central fountain and the play of light and shadow, offered a moment of serenity amidst the bustling city life.
Fez's culinary landscape was a journey through Moroccan flavors, where traditional dishes like tagine and pastilla are not just meals but a celebration of the country's rich agricultural bounty and culinary traditions. Dining in a traditional riad, with its ornate decor and open courtyard, provided an intimate glimpse into Moroccan living and hospitality.
The tanneries of Fez, particularly the Chouara Tannery, presented an unforgettable sight. Overlooking the tannery from neighboring terraces, I witnessed the ancient process of leather dyeing, unchanged for centuries. The vivid colors of the dye pits and the labor-intensive process were a testament to Fez's enduring artisanal traditions.
Exploring Fez was like walking through a living museum, where every turn offered a story, a slice of history, or a window into the daily lives of its inhabitants. The city, with its unparalleled historical depth, architectural beauty, and vibrant culture, left an indelible mark on my heart, capturing the essence of Morocco's timeless allure.
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