Description of the attraction
Fez is the pearl of Arab culture, the religious and cultural center of Morocco, founded about 12 centuries ago by the great saint Moulay-Idris I. Fez became the first capital of the state.
Like other Moroccan cities, Fez also has its oldest quarter - Medina, which consists of two parts: old and new. The old Medina of Fes el-Bali was founded in the XI century. it is already more than a thousand years old, and the new one - Fes-el-Jedid - in the XIV century. she is only about 700 years old. The Fes el-Bali area is somewhat isolated from the city. Old cemeteries are located behind its powerful walls, which is why new quarters of the city were erected at some distance. It's very easy to get lost in the old town. There are 9,400 narrow streets and alleys, 14 gates, 200 mosques and 180 hammams. To this day, the old Medina has remained practically unchanged.
The entire territory of the old city consists of 40 quarters, the inhabitants of which specialize in their kind of craft. Inside, Medina resembles a huge labyrinth. Some streets are so narrow that, moving between houses, you can hook your shoulders on the walls. That is why donkeys are the main mode of transport here.
Fes El Bali attracts a huge number of tourists. Small shops and artisan workshops are hidden in the shadow of numerous streets. Houses are literally squeezed together, some of them are held on special props so as not to crumble. The facades and doors of some houses have amazing finishes in the form of lace wood carvings, bright mosaics and arabesques.
The mausoleum of Idris II is located in Fes al-Bali. But the old Medina of Fez is not only numerous religious and memorial structures. Here is its main attraction - founded in the XII century. Islamic University of Al-Karooin.
It is recommended to enter the Medina of Fez through the ancient gate of Bou Jeloud. Once they were used as ceremonial trips of the Sultan. Today, under a lush arch with rich ornamentation, you can see a noisy crowd of people.
