Things to do in Fez
Fez is Morocco’s third largest city and is a hotbed of culture, the cultural and intellectual heartland of the country. There are so many things to see and do in the city that it would easily be possible to spend a month or more there without experiencing everything.
Of course, many travellers don’t have the luxury of a month to spend, so we’ve collected together some of our favourites – with a little help from our friends at Riad 9. If you’re travelling to Morocco soon, be sure you don’t miss out with our essential guide to things to do in Fez.
1 Dar Adiyel
Dar Adiyel was built in the 17th century as the house of the governor of Fez. It then became the city’s first bank before being transformed into a museum that showcased traditional Moroccan crafts and then a place to hear Andalousian music, before falling into disrepair and being abandoned. However, it has recently been restored by the Italian government and is once again a venue to hear traditional music. Visitors are welcome when classes are not taking place; just knock on the door and ask the guardian if it’s possible to come in.
2 Moulay Idrriss zaouia
This is the mausoleum of the son of the founder of Fez. There is a mosque in the grounds and you have to follow the Muslim faith to be allowed to enter – non Muslims won’t be able to view the tomb or the inside of the shrine, but you are able to look inside from the door and the outside of the shrine is well worth a look.
Wooden beams bisect the entrances to the holy area, originally put in place to indicate the sacred part that Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter”
If you’re Muslim, you’re welcome to come inside and view everything. Outside there is some of the best zellij (patterned tiling) in Fez and the souk is interesting, too. You’ll see wooden beams bisecting the entrances to the holy area – they were originally put in place to indicate the sacred partthat Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter.
3 The Mellah and Ibn Dan Synagogue
Fez’s Jewish quarter is a feast for the eyes with some stunning Art Deco and fascinating overhanging balconies. Originally, Fez’s Jewish population lived here and received special protection from the Sultan. The synagogue was built in the 17th century and has recently undergone restoration work. With a painted wooden beamed ceiling and blue tiled wainscotting, plus intricately carved plaster work above the Torah Ark, the interior of this synagogue will take your breath away.
4 Nejjarine Museum
This museum used to be a fundoq – an inn frequented by travelling merchants, who stayed upstairs and kept their animals and sold their wares down below. The building is impressive with amazing wood carving work inside and has been lovingly restored in the traditional style. The museum itself hosts exhibits of traditional Moroccan woodwork and outside you have the chance to see craftsmen in action as the carpenters’ souk and entire Nejjarine Square have been restored.
5 Glaoui Palace
The Glaoui family were once the rulers of Southern Morocco, and this is their Fez residence. While the building is not open to the public, Abdou, who is in charge, is usually happy to show you around. His family has lived there for three generations, and he is very knowledgeable about this beautiful palace. Simply knock on the door at Ziat, and be sure to give Abdou a contribution to help with the upkeep of the palace.
While the building is not open to the public, Abdou is usually happy to show you around – just knock at the door”
These are just a few of the things that you must do when visiting Fez. If you’re staying in the city for a few days, there are also several excursions that it’s well worth making, including the hot springs at Moulay Yacoub, the former Moroccan capital of Meknes, and the Gouffre du Friouato, North Africa’s deepest cavern.
For more tips on what to do in and around Fez, visit the excellent Riad 9 blog, written by Stephen di Renza.
For exclusive discounts and detailed information about riads and hotels in Fez, visit Morocco Gateway.
