Fès el-Bali is the old walled core of Fez in northern Morocco, a district of the Fez-Meknes region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also known as Old Fez or the Ancient Medina of Fez. The area was founded in the 9th century and is counted among the largest medieval urban areas in the world, and among the best preserved medinas in the Arab world.
What a visit is like
Most of the appeal lies in walking. The streets are a labyrinth of narrow alleys, and the best way to explore them is slowly, with no fixed route and time to get a little lost. Along the way you pass historic mosques and the traditional souks, where crafts and everyday goods are sold in close-packed stalls. The sense of an older city still working as a city is strong here.
Because the alleys are so tight, plan for a visit on foot. Wear comfortable shoes, and expect the ground to be uneven in places.
Around the medina
- The old city is set within the wider Fez-Meknes region, so it suits a longer trip through northern Morocco.
- Its historic mosques and souks make it a natural place to spend a full day or more.
- Its UNESCO status reflects how far its layout and buildings have kept their older character.
For visitors interested in urban history, Fès el-Bali offers a rare chance to see a medieval city that has largely kept its original shape. It is a destination for those who enjoy wandering and observing, rather than a checklist of single sights.
