Each of the neighbourhoods contained the five essential facilities: a communal bakery ( farran), public baths ( hammam), a fountain ( skaya), a school ( msid) and a mosque ( jama or masjid). Historically, Fez medina was further divided into many smaller neighbourhoods ( hay) demarcated by gates which were locked at night many of these gates still exist but only one, the Attarine, is still in use. Today the medina is home to approximately 100,000 people. The two were united by bridges and new walls in the 11th and 12th centuries, with the adjacent city of El-Jdid (‘new town’) added in the 13th. The western compound was the domain of the Kairouans, immigrants from Tunisia, while the eastern was settled by the Andalous, Spanish Muslims who had fled persecution in their home country. In the 10C what we now call the medina of Fez was actually comprised of two fortified cities separated by the Oued Fez (‘Fez River’). It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. A key trading hub in North Africa for centuries and still today an important centre of Islamic faith and scholarship, it boasts a tremendous array of historically and artistically significant buildings and monuments, many gorgeously embellished by generations of artisans. The 1200-year old walled medina of Fez, with its 9454 cobbled alleyways and 300 mosques, is both the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city and its largest pedestrian zone. Tall, strong encircling walls, punctuated by lookout towers and solid gates, discouraged invaders, and the maze-like layout within served to befuddle them entirely. Dating from an era in which hand-carts, donkeys and camels were the only means of transporting goods, a medina is necessarily pedestrian. CONTACT \ bookingĬheck out the website for more information ‘medina’ is defined as the old, walled, Arabic section of a North African city, characterized by a labyrinth of narrow, crooked and often covered streets and alleyways. It is also an assault on the senses and they are quite aggressive with the sales tactics. There is also a tannery nearby which can be an interesting visit. My recommendation - authentic Moroccan slippers! Read up before hand or get a guide for a few hours to get a good sense of what it has to offer. The riad is well-placed in the medina so that within a 5 minute walk you are in the heart of the shopping areas. Remember you are in an Islamic country and should be respectful in your attire in public areas. Always carry a map so that you can find your way home! That being said, nothing can really prepare you for the labyrinth of narrow alleys and markets, the restaurants, workshops and mosques that fill the maze of passages. The medina in Fez is also believed to be the largest contiguous car-free area in the world. Rooms start at $85 USD, Entire House at $375 USD (sleeps 10). The riad caretakers will meet you at the parking lot to take your bags and guide you in. Located near the bottom of the heart of the market, Riad Fez Medina has a convenient access point so it is an easy walk. and you can't really beat a private chef in a beautiful courtyard.Īlthough we always felt safe, be prepared to walk down some dark alleys if you venture out in the evening (bring your map!) LOCATION Moroccan cuisine, of course! All our meals were incredibly tasty. The chef will create just about anything you would like to eat.
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