How long does it take to walk Fes medina madrasa route?

The walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This includes the time spent admiring the intricate details inside the madrasas and navigating the 1.5 miles of walking through the medina's core.

Is Bou Inania Madrasa open to non-Muslims?

Yes, Bou Inania is one of the few active religious sites in Fes that allows non-Muslim visitors. It is a rare opportunity to see a functioning prayer hall and a minaret up close.

What is the oldest university in the world?

The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes is widely recognized as the oldest degree-granting university in the world. It was founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri and remains an active center of learning today.

Can I enter the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?

Non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter the prayer areas of the mosque. However, you can view the magnificent courtyard and architecture through several open doors along the perimeter.

Are there entrance fees for the madrasas in Fes?

Yes, most madrasas charge a small fee, usually around 20 Moroccan Dirhams (approx. $2 USD). These fees go toward the maintenance and preservation of these historic 14th-century sites.

What is the best time to visit Fes madrasas?

Early morning (around 9:00 AM) is best. You will avoid the largest crowds and the heat, and the morning light is perfect for photographing the detailed tilework and carvings.

Is the Fes medina walking route difficult?

The route is physically easy in terms of elevation, but the terrain is uneven. Fes el Bali is the world's largest car-free urban area, so expect a lot of walking on old stone streets.

What does 'madrasa' mean?

Madrasa is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, whether secular or religious. In the context of Fes, it refers to the historic Islamic colleges where students studied the Quran and law.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step through the iconic Blue Gate and into a world where time seems to have stood still for centuries. This self-guided walk through the heart of Fes el Bali explores the spiritual and intellectual pulse of Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Fes is renowned for its madrasas—medieval Islamic colleges that served as the pinnacle of learning in North Africa. As you follow this walking route, you will discover the intricate artistry of the Marinid dynasty, characterized by delicate stucco carvings, expansive cedarwood ceilings, and the vibrant geometric patterns of zellij tilework. This neighborhood stroll takes you beyond the bustling souks and into the serene courtyards of these sacred institutions, where scholars once lived and studied in the shadow of the great Al-Qarawiyyin. You will begin at the monumental Bab Boujloud, the gateway to the old city, before venturing deep into the labyrinthine alleys to find the Bou Inania Madrasa, unique for its functioning minaret and its role as a congregational mosque. The journey continues through the spiritual heart of the city at the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the patron saint of Fes, and leads to the Al Attarine Madrasa, often called the 'Jewel of Fes' for its exquisite proportions. This architectural walking tour Fes highlights the transition from the public chaos of the markets to the private tranquility of religious spaces. You will also pass by the walls of the University of al-Qarawiyyin, recognized by many as the oldest degree-granting university in the world, founded by a woman in the 9th century. Finally, the route leads you toward the Andalusian quarter to see the Sahrij Madrasa, famous for its large reflecting pool. Exploring at your own pace with Zigway allows you to linger under the carved cedar eaves and truly absorb the atmosphere of a city that remains the cultural soul of Morocco. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the medieval majesty of Fes.

Highlights

Marvel at the blue and green mosaics of the Bab Boujloud gateway

View the only madrasa in Fes with its own minaret at Bou Inania

Admire the 'Jewel of Fes' architecture at the Al Attarine Madrasa

Visit the spiritual heart of the city at Moulay Idriss II's shrine

See the exterior of the world's oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin

Discover the tranquil reflecting pool of the Sahrij Madrasa

Tour Stops (6)

Bab Boujloud

Your self-guided walk begins at Bab Boujloud, the most famous entrance to Fes el Bali. Completed in 1913 during the French protectorate, it replaced a much older, more modest gate. Look closely at the tilework: the side facing outward is a vibrant blue, representing the color of Fes, while the side facing the interior is green, the color of Islam. This 'Blue Gate' serves as the grand threshold between the modern city and the medieval maze of the medina. As you pass through, notice the three symmetrical horseshoe arches that frame your first view of the minarets inside. It is a perfect spot to observe the daily rhythm of the city as donkey carts and locals flow into the narrow streets of Tala'a Kebira and Tala'a Sghira.

Bou Inania Madrasa

Just a short walk from the gate is the Madrasa Bou Inania, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture built between 1350 and 1355. Unlike most other madrasas, this one also functioned as a Friday mosque, which is why it possesses a full-sized minaret—the only one of its kind in the city's educational institutions. The interior courtyard is a symphony of materials: marble floors, onyx pillars, and walls covered in intricate zellij tilework that transitions into hand-carved stucco and massive cedarwood screens. Look up at the water clock (Dar al-Magana) across the street, a mysterious medieval mechanical system. This madrasa remains one of the few religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the city's sacred interior.

Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

As you move deeper into the medina, you reach the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II. This is the spiritual heart of Fes, dedicated to the man who is considered the city's primary founder and patron saint. While the interior is strictly reserved for Muslims, the exterior and the surrounding 'Horm' (sacred district) are fascinating. You can see the heavy wooden bars across the streets leading here, which historically prevented horses and donkeys from entering the sacred zone. From the doorways, you can often catch a glimpse of the opulent interior, filled with hundreds of brass clocks and shimmering chandeliers. The air here is often thick with the scent of incense and orange blossom water, reflecting the site's importance as a place of pilgrimage and prayer.

Al Attarine Madrasa

Located at the edge of the spice and perfume market, the Al Attarine Madrasa is often described as the most beautiful in Fes. Built by Sultan Abu Sa'id in 1325, its name means 'the Madrasa of the Perfumers.' Despite its compact size, the level of detail is staggering. The courtyard features a central fountain and is surrounded by walls where every inch is decorated with Quranic calligraphy and floral motifs. The cedar wood carvings in the upper galleries are particularly fine, having survived centuries of humidity and wear. The madrasa was designed to house students from the nearby Al-Qarawiyyin, and the small, ascetic cells upstairs offer a stark contrast to the decorative splendor of the public courtyard.

Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin

You are now standing beside one of the most significant institutions in human history. Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy immigrant from Kairouan, the Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It became a major center for Islamic sciences, mathematics, and astronomy during the Middle Ages. While the mosque itself can hold up to 20,000 worshippers and is closed to non-Muslims, you can walk around its perimeter and peer through the many open doors. These gates offer views of the vast prayer hall with its forest of pillars and the stunning marble-paved courtyards. The university's library, recently restored, houses manuscripts dating back over a thousand years.

Sahrij Madrasa

The final stop on your neighborhood stroll is the Sahrij Madrasa, located in the Andalusian quarter of the medina. Built in the 14th century, it takes its name from the large rectangular pool (sahrij) in its courtyard, which provided water for ritual ablutions. This madrasa is slightly more rustic and less visited than those in the center, offering a peaceful atmosphere. It was specifically built to accommodate students from the al-Andalus region. Notice the transition in style here, which feels slightly more open than the crowded center of the medina. The nearby Saffarin Square, where copper-smiths still beat metal by hand, provides a rhythmic soundtrack to this part of the city. This concludes your walk through the sacred schools of Fes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided route through the madrasas is ideal for architecture lovers. It focuses on the Marinid-era masterpieces like Bou Inania and Al Attarine, featuring the best examples of zellij and cedar carving in Morocco.