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Fes (Fez) Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Fes (Fez)
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Fes (Fez) Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Fes (Fez) - Fez is the cultural and spiritual centre of
Morocco, oldest of the three imperial cities, founded in 790 BC by
Moulay Idriss II. The main attraction in this ancient city is the
medieval Medina, the old part of the city, which has been
continuously inhabited since the 10th century and still bustles
with a bewildering throng of colourfully costumed tribal people,
from olive-dealers and veiled women on their way to the baths, to
industrious merchants and traditional bell-ringing water-sellers.
The Medina of Fez is the most complete medieval city still in
existence, it's preservation having been instigated under French
occupation, and it forms a working model of the way life was lived
when the world was still young. The more modern part of the city is
known as Ville Nouvelle, and has a decidedly French
influence.
A guided tour is the easiest way to
tackle the buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but the brave can
take on the teeming alleyways, too narrow for motor vehicles,
risking getting lost and having to haggle with a local to be guided
back out. Laden donkeys negotiate the steep cobbled lanes, and the
buzz of buying and selling is often interrupted by the urgent cries
of mule drivers or deliverymen pushing heavy and ungainly carts
that warns shoppers to flatten themselves against the walls or be
flattened themselves. A visit to the souks will undoubtedly lead to
a stopover at Fez's famous tanneries where one of the oldest arts
in Morocco, and the world, is practiced to produce the soft leather
that has been sought after for centuries. The
best vantage point over the ancient walled city, which lies at the
eastern end of the plain of Saiss, bordered by the foothills of the
Atlas Mountains, is from the ruined Merenid tombs on a hilltop.
From here it is possible to view the skyline with its profusion of
satellite dishes, and to pick out some of the magnificent palaces,
green-roofed holy places and the Karaouine Mosque, all hemmed in by
workshops and tenements, souks and squares, and a mass of humanity
and the ubiquitous donkeys. Fez is secretive and shadowy, but
captivating and colourful at the same time.
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Fes (Fez)
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Karaouine Mosque
Medina
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What is it? Non-Muslims may not enter this huge mosque,
in the heart of the Fes El Bali (Medina), which has been a centre
of Islamic learning for more than a thousand years, but often the
doors stand open and it is certainly worth taking a look inside.
The mosque is surrounded by numerous madrasas (Islamic schools),
many of which are open to the public. The most famous of these is
the Attarin Madrasa, built in the early 14th century, which
features a beautiful bronze door and elegant courtyard with some
impressive marble, alabaster and cedar wood
decoration.
Hours of Operation:
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2. Tanneries
Bab Debbagh (Tannery Gate)
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What is it? Morocco is famous for producing high quality
soft leather. It is recommended that only those with strong
stomachs visit the tanner's quarter, close to the Karaouine Mosque,
which despite its odorous reputation has become one of Fez' main
attractions. Visitors can ascend to any one of the terraces
belonging to the surrounding leather shops that look down on the
fascinating tanners' yard, honeycombed with vats of dye and piled
with skins (it is expected that you will at least look around the
shop afterwards, and if nothing is bought a tip to the shop owner
is required). The reason for the bad smell is chiefly because guano
and pigeon droppings are used as part of the curing
process.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 6pm
Phone: |
3. City gates
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What is it? There are several gates allowing entry to the
ancient town of Fez: Bab Bou Jeloud, the western gate has bright
decorations and hotels and cafes grouped around it; Bab Er Rsif is
the central gate, opening onto the square in front of the mosque of
the same name; Bab el-Ftouh is the southeast gate giving onto the
cemeteries; and Bab Guissa, the north gate, lies on the hillside
close to the Merenid tombs vantage point. The principal entrance
for tourists is the Bab Bou Jeloud, which was constructed in the
modern era in 1913 but appears deceptively older with its tiled
facade.
Hours of Operation:
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Fes (Fez)
holidays - Top Events
1. Sacred Music Festival
From 2007-06-01
To 2007-06-10
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What is it? This international festival of music is a
celebration of Islam and music lovers from all across the word
travel hear a diverse selection of music, not only from Africa, but
from Europe, Asia and South America too. The ancient city of Fez
hosts styles ranging from European classical to Sufi music from
India and Pakistan, African classical guitar to Japanese drumming.
The variety is as endless as the maze of Fez itself and the
festival is increasing in popularity
annually.
Where is it? |
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