The oldest of Morocco’s four “imperial cities”, Fez (also spelled Fes) was founded in 790 BC.  A bustling and lively city filled with contrasts, it is reminiscent of life in the Middle Ages.  Fez was at one point during the 12th century the world’s largest city, when it was the centre of the Kingdom of Fez.  It became a religious and scientific centre attracting people from all over Europe, and also provided refuge to those fleeing the Reconquest of Spain in the late 15th century.  The French colonisation of Morocco was a mixed blessing for Fez – it ensured the preservation of the Old City, but also led to the city’s decline.  The capital of Morocco was moved from here to Rabat in 1912, and remained there after Morocco was granted independence in 1956. 

See:

• Merenid Tombs – Near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains this spot has spectacular views over the city.
• Bird Watching – Nesting in the city’s ancient walls are tens of thousands of alpine swifts.  As the evening sets in, they swarm the skies in search of food.

Experience:

• World Sacred Music Festival – A week-long festival held annually, this festival has been attracting renowned artists from all over the world and showcases rare music.  Founded in 1994, it also includes a World Bank funded 4-day forum “Giving Soul to Globalisation”.
• Fez el-Bali – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this city’s medieval medina provides a feast for the senses, where donkeys cart their loads through the labyrinth of alleys and lanes, and merchants and leather tanneries offer their wares to bargain hunting visitors and locals alike.
• Fez el-Djedid – A newer part of Fez also containing the Mellah, the former Jewish quarter.
• Ville Nouvelle – This modern part of town built by the French is the location of many bars and restaurants. 

Secrets of the City:

• The medina of the Old City is considered to be the world’s largest car-free urban area.