In and Around Fes | A Land of Rich Heritage in Morocco

Fes

Fes is one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and known as the intellectual and spiritual heart of Morocco for its islamic architecture, and from ancient madrasas to monumental mosques. All beautifully decorated with tiling and arabesque patterns making the city exquisitely an open-air museum. Fes city is famous for being home to the world’s oldest university, the Qarawiyyin university, and it was a thriving center for a Jewish community in earlier historical times. Winding architecture of alleys, souks and courtyards, the city also has several attractions and a popular meeting spot that has its eyes beyond the old walls around the medina.

Ifrane

Ifrane is one of Morocco’s most surprising cities, the name Irfane means caves and is taken from the local Amazigh language. And, ifrane is one of the most attractive cities in Morocco for its diversity and the opportunity it gives its visitors to experience so many activities like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding are popular at Michlifen Ski Resort, during the winter season and hiking, hunting, and options for fishing enthusiasts. The town was built during the French protectorate as a place to escape to during the hot summer months. Ifrane is striking for its large numbers of green parks that offer a peaceful experience around nature, where visitors can take walks through the forest, and enjoy the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Moroccan large cities.

Volubilis

Volubilis is one of the largest and most magnificent archeological sites in Morocco located between the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes. Since 1997, Volubilis has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 1st century A.D., the Romans built Volubilis at the site of a Carthaginian city which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. It became an important Roman town in North Africa that dominated the site 2000 years ago. Visitors will enjoy numerous fragments of impressive columns, temples, public baths and arches that are still intact, and can be seen from a distance. As you step onto the site, the feeling of stateliness still exists throughout the Roman Empire. Remarkably, the city was home to mansions and Roman houses, and one of the most beautiful structures in the city is the House of Orpheus. The house is adorned with a massive mosaic floor that depicts Orpheus singing at his harp. Moreover, the house has a mosaic illustrating the Greek and Roman gods of wine, Dionysus, and Bacchus. The ancient roman city of Volubilis, will surely make an impression on you.

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a town in northern Morocco, It is located near Meknes and overlooks the ruins of Volubilis a few kilometers away. Moulay Idriss I is considered to be the founder and leader of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty, the Idrisid dynasty, after whom the town is named which he ruled from 788 to 791. It is famous for being the site of the tomb of Idris I, the great-grandson of the prophet Mohammed. After his death in 791, it quickly became a site of pilgrimage. The Mosque, which was built in 1939, has the only cylindrical minaret in Morocco and is covered by green tiles. Six pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun during the annual festival in August honoring Moulay Idriss is equivalent to one Hajj to Mecca. Since 1995, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun has been on UNESCO's Tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Due to its status as a holy city and sanctuary, the town was off-limits to non-Muslims until 1912, and non-Muslims were not able to stay overnight until 2005. However, It is worth a visit and certainly worthwhile as Volubilis is so nearby.

Meknes

The name of Meknes is derived from Miknasa, an Amazigh tribe, which means the head of the tribe. The historic city of Meknes is one of Morocco’s many Unesco World Heritage Sites, gaining a place on the list for its distinctive blend of architectural styles, breathtaking monuments and well-preserved heritage. Being an imperial and eternal city, Meknes offers you several historical monuments and natural locations. It is filled with beauty, from the Dar El Makhzen palace to the numerous mosques, the hammams and gardens which decorate the streets, Spanish-Moorish styles vying for attention with Islamic and European-inspired architecture.

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