Fez-Meknes is an administrative region in north-central Morocco, and it takes its name from two of the country's historic imperial cities, Fez and Meknes. Visitors come here chiefly for the cultural heritage and medieval architecture that the two cities are known for, so the region suits travellers who want to spend time in old streets, monuments and urban history rather than on a beach or in the mountains.
Two imperial cities
Fez and Meknes each held a place in Morocco's imperial past, and each makes a distinct kind of visit. Fez is the more celebrated of the two for its medieval character, with a dense historic fabric that rewards slow, unhurried walking. Meknes offers a more spacious sense of the imperial city, with its monumental gates and open squares. Together they give a clear picture of how Moroccan cities were built and governed across several centuries.
What to expect
- Medieval architecture in the historic cores of both cities.
- Cultural heritage, including traditional crafts, markets and the rhythm of daily life in old quarters.
- A regional base from which to explore the wider north-central part of the country.
Because the region is made up of two cities and their surroundings, it works well as a stay of several days. Plan time for wandering as well as for specific sights, and allow for the pace of the old quarters, where distances on foot can be longer than they appear on a map.
