Fez

Spiritual Fes Tanned hides on the ruins of the Marinid Tomb, which dates back to the 16th century. ImageSource/ Age Fotostock

See more pictures: Fez

Fez is the cultural city in Morocco. You will need a minimum of two days to get a full overview of it. Drive along the ochre stone ramparts, then make for the Merinid Tombs. From the ruins of the necropolis, the view stretches out onto "the most imperial of the imperial cities". Within the walls, the busy crowd in Fez el Bali bustles about the small lanes and passageways which all lead to the district of Qaraouiyyin. Once in the medina, you will stroll around the dyers souk before emerging onto Seffarine Square, stronghold of the copperware retailers. Then it's the turn of the tanners, and the woodcraft and henna souk until you reach Medersa el Attarin, the Koranic school, masterpiece of merinid art, built in the 14th century. The bronze door opens onto a courtyard paved with marble and surrounded by fine columns. As you go out into Bou Touil street, you can look through the main entrance of El Qaraouiyyin mosque which can hold as many as 20,000 people. Further down the street, a wood beam bars the streets joining Moulay Idriss Zaouia. This way, animals can't get near the sanctuary. Men flock in in order to attract good luck. One of the most beautiful fountains of the medina stands on Nejjarin Square: a fountain adorned with zelliges, sheltered under a carved cedar canopy covered with green tiles. Then move on to Fez el Jedid district, anchored in the 13th century. On the Alaouite Square, the gate doors of the Royal Palace shine for your pleasure, then Bou Khessissat street, bordered with Spanish-style houses will take you to the old mechouar, a long fortified place. Save the Andalusian district for another day with the visit of the inner courtyard of Medersa es-Sahrij for its majestic fountain basin. Close by, an immense door shows the entrance to the Mosque of the Andalusians founded in the 9th century. You can then get to Taala Kebira street where you will find many colourful shops. Don't miss Medersa Bou Inania, created in the 14th century by Sultan Abou Inan. The carved wood ceiling of the dome decorates the entrance hall. Marble and onyx pave the floor of the courtyard. The praying room welcomes the visitors.