Fez is mixing Andalusian and African history, with unique handmade trade. This is only an start..
Morocco is “cultural and spiritual centre” as most of tourists always say. Every single place in town and specially Fez has an interested story. Here are some examples:
A medieval labyrinth
The oldest walled part of the city, Fez El-Bali, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the archways of the stunning Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) and you’ll get a sense of what lies ahead in the 19th-century medina.
The medina is one of the world’s largest urban car-free zones. Navigating the medina is adventure on its own and is definitely the biggest highlight of the city. Inside the medina, there are two of the most awe-inspiring madrasas (Islamic colleges): Madrasa al-Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasa. Stop at either (or both!) and admire the intricate carvings and beautiful design. The latter is one of the few religious buildings that non-Muslims can enter.
Century old bathing rituals
The dense medina welcomes worlds within worlds with its discreet doors, steep stairways and narrow streets. Traditional hammam bathhouses, scattered around the city, are one such place. The setting for the traditional practice of communal bathing, they boast several rooms varying in temperature.
Full disclosure: although you definitely can wear a bathing suit during the cleansing experience, it’s more common to be in your birthday suit.
During women’s only hours, I joined the female community who use the private space to shed their headscarves and exfoliate their skin. They use a khmiss (a coarse scrubbing glove which work wonders) and locally-sourced savon noir (black soap). This was one of the most powerful cultural experiences I had in Morocco. It was amazing to feel so welcomed in such a personal practice.
Fez is for foodies
There’s more than bath house rituals, however. After-dark activities carry out onto the winding streets and this is a nightlife centering around mint tea, hookah and Moroccan cuisine. The Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech gets a lot of attention for its foodie scene (and rightfully so), but Fez has its own special offerings.
The food scene in Fez is a perfect compliment to its walkability. I’d recommend heading out on a food crawl through the labyrinth of streets. Try brochettes (meat skewers), smoked over a charcoal fire and finish with some sweet pastries. Also, fuel up on freshly squeeze orange juice — it’s magic.
The Ville Nouvelle (French for ‘new city’) is a neighborhood showcasing the city’s modern European influences. Though fusion cuisine has always been intertwined in the flavorful offerings here, local favorites such as pastillas (a sweet and savory meat pie), have been a signature for generations.
sources www.intrepidtravel.com
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