The old medina of Fes, Morocco

*WS 169 - The old medina of Fes, Morocco*

Fes, founded in 879, is the joint 2nd largest city in Morocco. It was the capital of the Marinid Sultanate (1244-1465) when numerous madrasas, mosques, city gates, etc, were constructed and many survived until today. These buildings are the hallmarks of Moorish and Moroccan architectural styles. The old medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an outstanding example of a medieval town created during the first centuries of Islamic rule. We visited the city in 2014.  

It is one of the world's largest car-free urban areas. Shown a scene of the typical narrow alley of the souk, with a shop selling all kind of olives, 1st 2 photos. A famous sight in Fes is the tanneries where raw leather is processed, in several stages. Tough work in the sun with pungent smell of ammonia. 

Now some structures of Marinid architecture. First the main gate: Bab Bou Jeloud. A famous building visited is the Madrasa Bou Inania, a religious school built in the 1350s. Shown here is the prayer hall, with details of intricate carved timber decoration, 6th and 7th photos. The 8th is an unknown building near to the madrasa. The last 2 photos show decorations in our 3-star hotel, Hotel Dar Fes Medina, a decorated window and a wall recess with a simple ornamental stalactites vaulting. This 3-star hotel was converted from a mansion.