Luxury Fez Holidays

Magical and fascinating, the one-time capital of Morocco and the oldest of its imperial cities, Fez is one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. Its vast old medina, Fez el Bali, is filled with outstanding Islamic architecture and artistry, its 9th century university and mosque houses the world's oldest library, and the local gastronomy is highly acclaimed.

Together with Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech, Fez (Fes) is one of Morocco's four imperial cities and regarded as the cultural and spiritual heartland of Morocco as for centuries the city has attracted intellectuals, poets and musicians in large numbers.

The city is divided into three areas; historic Fez el Bali (Old Fez) founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idriss II is set within the ancient city walls; the 13th century Fez el Jdid (New Fez) built by the Merenid sultans just outside the city walls and containing the Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter; the modern city, Ville Nouvelle, complete with wide, tree-lined avenues filled with shops, cafés and restaurants, was created by the French during the 20th century.

An atmospheric city with a rich and vibrant history it boasts the oldest tannery in the world in the Choura quarter, the oldest higher education institution in the world, the 9th century Kairaouine University, and, as well as Fez el Bali laying claim to being the largest car-free urban zone in the world, it is also the oldest and largest medina in Morocco.