Fes Full Day Sightseeing Tour
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Fes is a UNESCO worlde heritage site and is also considered one of the most spiritual and religious cities in Morocco. It has stood at the heart of Moroccan civilization for over five centuries and was a major cultural and intellectual center, competing with those of Europe. Fes is also an ideal starting point for Fes to Marrakech Sahara desert tours.
Best Fes attractions:
Jewish Mellah
The Mellah is a Jewish quarter located in the old cities of Morocco with a walled boundary. The Fes Mellah is also walled and it has a fortified gateway. These Jewish quarters are located near the royal residencies which enabled its inhabitants to be protected from the wrath of the Muslim populace. The Fes Mellah was once solely inhabited by Jews. This was the first “mellah” in Morocco and originated in 1438. In the early 14th century it was founded by the Merinids, beside Fes.
Jewish Synagogue:
Fes was once home to a flourishing Jewish community during the 17th century and was also the location of two well known temples. Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Danan Synagogue was built and founded by the Ibn Danan family, and the nearby Mansano Synagogue. The Ibn Danan synagogue has been added to the 1996 World Monuments Watch List and Fund.
Jewish Cemetery & Tomb of Solica
The cemetery contains the tombs of more Jewish saints than any other cemetery in Morocco. One of the more important saints is Lalla Solica, who was killed for refusing to convert to Islam. Solica was born in Tangier in 1817. At the age of 16, she was courted by a Muslim man, but refused to marry him. To force her hand, the man went to the caid, the local government official. The man told the caid that Solica could not refuse his offer of marriage because she was no longer Jewish, having converted to Islam of her own free will. When called before the caid, she refused to acknowledge having converted. The Sultan called her to Fes, where she again denied her conversion. As a result, she was condemned to death for apostasy and killed in 1834.
The Bou Inania Medersa
The Madrasa Bou Inania is a madrasa founded in AD 1351–56 by Abu Inan Fais, who also founded the Madrasa Bou Inania in Meknes. The madrasa functioned as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque at the same time. It is the only madrasa in Fes which has a minaret.
Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative:
A cooperative where old techniques of how zellij and pottery is made. Option to participate in making zellij tile or pottery making. Great for shopping for a purchase of fabulous pottery, zellij tiled tables, zellij fountains and more.
Dyers souk of silk, wool and cotton
The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to soak the skins of sheep, goat, cows and camels after they have their hair and flesh removed. You will see many tanned hides colored with natural pigments ranging from shades of brown, black, turquoise fuchsia, yellow and orange.
Seffraine Square
Place el-Seffarine – this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco.
The Tannery
The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès. The Tanneries are often located near watercourses like the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strongly unpleasant smells they produce. See the wide array of leather work, a tradition of Fes.
Weavers Cooperative
Visit the Weavers Cooperative located in a residential neighborhood off a main shopping street. The workshop specializes in weaving the finest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy.
University of Kairouine
Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.
Nejarine Square
This interesting square is dominated by the beautifully restored Nejjarine Wood Museum housed in an 18th-century funduq. There’s also a superbly decorated wall fountain. Browse the shops before venturing into the carpenters’ souk with its amazing array of glitzy wedding chairs.Cross the carpenter area go through the Attarine street filled with scents of Fes such as spices, oils.
What’s Included:
- Private A/C Vehicle, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser + fuel
- English/French/Spanish speaking driver during the tour
- Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation
- Local Guide
What’s not Included:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments, studios and Kasbahs ( visits are optional )