Fes-Meknes
Fes
Spiritual and craft capital of Morocco.
Fes at a glance
- Region
- Fes-Meknes
- Province or prefecture
- Fes (prefecture)
- Status
- Regional capital
- Population
- 1,112,072 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 410 m
- Coordinates
- 34.033, -5.000
- Postal code
- 30000
- Phone area code
- +212 535
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Fès (French) · فاس (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- March to May and September to November
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Fes
Fes el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a maze of lanes, madrasas, workshops and fountains around the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university.
History
Founded by Idris I in 789 and developed by Idris II around 808, Fes grew as a centre of learning and trade. The Al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri. The Marinids built Fes el-Jdid in the 13th century.
Things to see in Fes
- Fes el-Bali medina
- Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and library
- Chouara tannery
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Fes el-Jdid and the Mellah
UNESCO World Heritage: Medina of Fez (1981).
Climate and best time to visit
Continental Mediterranean. Hot summers, cool and damp winters and a clear spring and autumn. Frost is possible on winter nights.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Fes
- By air
- Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ), about 15 km south of the city.
- By train
- Fes station on the Casablanca-Rabat-Fes-Oujda line.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Crafts (leather, pottery, metalwork), cultural tourism, education and agriculture in the surrounding Saiss plain.
Food and drink
Fassi cuisine is celebrated for pastilla, tanjia-style slow-cooked dishes and sweets.
Festivals and events
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is held annually; check for current dates.
Where to stay
Fes has a full range of accommodation, from international hotels to guesthouses and, in historic quarters, traditional riads and dars. Staying inside or near the old town makes it easier to explore on foot.