One of France’s major national daily newpapers, Le Figaro, advertised the must-see places in Morocco’s first capital of the Islamic era –Fez– otherwise known as the Kingdom’s spiritual and scientific city. In an article published on Tuesday, the media outlet suggested places to visit, from medersas (schools) jagged with cedar wood, to refined palaces, along with the best addresses at which to savor the taste of the city’s fine cuisine.
The thousand-year-old medina brims with opulent souks, handcrafts, and palaces from the fairytale stories featuring authentic Moroccan architecture, colors and fragrances.
In the heart of the medina, beams a meter tall close off a block of alleyways. The mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, founder of the city of Fez, is sacred. Non-Muslims are not permitted into the sanctuary, but one can slip a glance into the tomb hall and gauge the intense fervor of the faithful.
The city’s madrasas from the Marinid dynasty sowed in the 14th century stands as a testimony to the richness of its decorative art. Bou Inania Medersa is the largest, and contains a beautiful minaret, while the Attarine Medersa is a masterpiece of Marinid art with its courtyard chiseled with mosaics, stucco and carved wood, and–as a bonus–a dazzling view of the courtyard of the Al Qarawiyyin mosque from the second floor.
The Nejjarine Museum is admirably restored by Fez’s finest master craftsmen. This beautiful fondouk (hostel) is dedicated to one of the city’s finest crafts, with countless variations of woodworking on spread over three floors, from bridal chests to musical instruments.
Washingtonian palms reach for the sky, as do bamboo bushes, Aleppo pines, and monumental belombras. They are accompanied by an immense pond populated by egrets. Created in the 18th century, this beautiful Andalusian garden is a healthy oasis of greenery in the midst of the medina.
The outlet proposed partaking in Moroccan food, especially the Fassi specialities, while enjoying flavors, panoramic views, and astonishing architecture on visits to the Foundouk Bazaar and Dar Ori.
A good Moroccan tea? With a View? No problem. “Ruined Garden” is the place to go to in Fez and savor tea in nooks and crannies filled with overgrown plants. Jungle Bar at Sahrai Hotel is an ideal spot for some spiritual drinks, while Golden Bar at Palais Faraj offers great views of the medina.
Riads and hotels are not what’s missing in Fez. However, the nod goes to Riad le Calife, brainchild of Alexandre and Yasmine, a Franco-Moroccan couple with a love of Fez and a passion for antiques. From the cabinet-style lounge/library to the seven rooms and suites, highly-prized materials and collectibles create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with personalized service (starting from 115 euros per night)
Riad Fes features an Andalusian patio with stucco and zellige-covered colonnades and a sleek contemporary feel to it. This 30-room Relais & Châteaux offers the art of living of the great families of Fes, including the hammam with Cinq Mondes spa and heated pool (starting from 231 Euros per night).
Finally, Palais Faraj is a vibrant tribute to Moroccan refinement. The meticulous decor of the 31 rooms and suites subtly blends contemporary design with tradition, noted especially in the library, a jewel of Moroccan craftsmanship. (The property starts from 206 euros per night).