Fès el-Jdid, whose name means "New Fez," is a neighborhood in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco. It sits beside the older medina of Fès el-Bali and is often called New Fez or Fez el-Jedid.
The quarter was founded in the 13th century as a royal city, and it served as the administrative and political center of the Marinid dynasty. That origin shapes its character: broad walls, official buildings and a sense of order that differs from the tighter lanes of the old city next door.
What to see
- The Royal Palace, the official seat that defines the quarter.
- The Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter, which gives the area a distinct history and atmosphere.
- Several ornate gardens, which offer a quieter pause between streets and monuments.
The visit
Fès el-Jdid suits a slower walk. Pair it with a stroll through Fès el-Bali, since the two neighborhoods are close and their contrast is part of the experience. Plan time to move between the palace area, the Mellah and the gardens, and allow space for simply looking around the streets.
If you are interested in how a royal capital was organized, or in the layered Jewish and Muslim heritage of Fez, this neighborhood rewards a visit. Those looking only for a short stop may find that it is best enjoyed as part of a longer day in the city.
