The medieval walls that encircle the medina of Fes offer one of the most rewarding ways to understand the city. Rather than walking its streets, you look down on them, and the dense, winding fabric of the old town becomes easier to read from above.
What you will see
- The walls and bastions trace the edge of the medina, and walking along them gives a steady sequence of views over the rooftops.
- The city gates are useful points of orientation, marking where the old town opens onto the surrounding districts.
- The urban labyrinth below, with its alleys, courtyards and terraces, is the main reason to come.
Rooftop vantage points
Some riads, the traditional houses built around an interior courtyard, have rooftop terraces that are open to visitors. From these you gain a different perspective, looking across the tightly packed roofs and out toward the surrounding hills. Access depends on the individual riad, so it is worth asking in advance if a terrace view is part of your plans.
Planning your visit
The walls suit a slow, unhurried walk, and they make a good complement to time spent wandering the medina at street level. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground can be uneven, and allow time to stop and take in the views. Fes itself offers a great deal around these walls, from the medina's narrow streets to its markets and craft quarters, so the views work well as part of a longer day in the old city.
