Exploring the Enchanting Labyrinth of Fès

Today’s adventure was a dive into the history and culture of Fès, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 789 AD and the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Known as Morocco’s religious and spiritual capital, Fès is a treasure trove of sights and experiences.

We entered the medina through the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), a stunning triple-arched gateway adorned with thousands of blue mosaic tiles. Interestingly, while the entrance side of the gate is blue, the exit side is green, symbolizing the transition from the outside world to the inner sanctum of the medina. Once inside, we were immersed in a labyrinth of around 10,000 narrow alleys, too tight for cars, where small artisanal shops offered handmade treasures from clothes and jewelry to furniture and food. Our guide for the day, Khalid, expertly navigated us through the maze-like medina. Without him, we would have indeed gotten lost!

We marveled at the magnificent seven doors of the palace grounds at the palace square and then had a brief but fascinating visit to a pottery factory specializing in ceramics and mosaic tiles. In the afternoon, we returned to the medina to explore Derb Chouara, also known as Tanners’ Alley. Here, leather hides are tanned in vats containing noxious chemicals, including coloring agents, sulfur compounds, and – yes! – pigeon droppings. The smell was potent and unpleasant, but the sight of the vibrant vats was unforgettable.

After a delicious lunch and a short rest at our Riad, we ventured out alone to visit the serene Jardin Botanique de Fès. The peaceful gardens were a perfect contrast to the bustling medina. We wrapped up our day with a delightful dinner in the new city, reflecting on the rich history and vibrant culture we had experienced in Fès.