The Al-Karaouine Mosque stands in Fès el-Bali, the old walled medina of Fes in Morocco. It is also known as the Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin, and it is linked with the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which shares its name and its site. The mosque was founded in 859 CE, and its records describe it as one of the world's oldest continuously operating mosques and universities.
What to expect
For many visitors, the appeal lies in the mosque's long history and its place within the medina. Walking here means moving through the narrow streets of Fès el-Bali, where the lanes, markets and old houses form the setting in which the mosque has served its community for more than a thousand years.
- The mosque is a place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly and behave with the care expected in a working religious building.
- The site also houses one of the oldest libraries in the world, which holds ancient manuscripts.
- Its link to the University of al-Qarawiyyin gives the visit an educational dimension, tying the building to centuries of learning.
Planning your visit
The mosque is located in the medina at the address University of al-Qarawiyyin, Fès el-Bali, Fès 30110, Morocco. Because the medina is a maze of lanes, it is worth allowing time to find your way, and it can help to arrange your route in advance. For questions about the site, the listed contact number is +212 535-741234.
Visitors who want to understand the mosque in context will find that its setting in Fès el-Bali rewards a slower pace, with time to look at the surrounding streets and the life of the old city around it.