Fez Maps

Fez (also spelled Fes) is one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco, founded in the 8th century. Located in northern Morocco, it serves as the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. With a population of approximately 1.25 million inhabitants, Fez is Morocco's second-largest city and a significant cultural, educational, and religious center.

The city consists of three main parts: Fes el Bali (the ancient walled city), Fes Jdid (the newer section built in the 13th century), and the modern Ville Nouvelle (constructed during the French colonial period). The medina of Fes el Bali, the largest car-free urban area in the world, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The medieval medina is characterized by its intricate maze of over 9,000 narrow streets and alleys, making it one of the best-preserved historic urban areas in the Arab-Muslim world.

Fez is renowned for its educational institutions, particularly Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD and recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing educational institution in the world. The city has historically been a major center of learning, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world and contributing significantly to the development of Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and sciences.

The city's architectural heritage includes numerous significant monuments and buildings. Notable landmarks include the Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture built between 1350 and 1357, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, famous for its ornate decoration, and the Dar al-Magana, a 14th-century water clock. The iconic Chouara Tannery, dating back to the 11th century, remains one of the city's most visited sites and continues to operate using traditional leather-making methods.

Fez maintains its position as Morocco's artisanal hub, famous for its handicrafts, particularly leather goods, metalwork, ceramics, and textiles. The city's economy historically relied on its role as a trading center and its craft industries. Today, while preserving its traditional sectors, Fez has diversified its economy to include modern industries and services, though tourism remains a significant economic driver.