How long does it take to walk the Fes Mellah?

The walk typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how much time you spend inside the synagogues. The distance is roughly 2 kilometers if you include the transition to the Merenid Tombs viewpoint.

Are the synagogues in Fes open to tourists?

Yes, the Aben Danan and Al Fassiyine synagogues are open to the public most days except Saturdays. There is usually a small entry fee of about 20 to 30 Moroccan Dirhams used for maintenance.

Is the Mellah of Fes safe for solo travelers?

Yes, the Mellah is generally safe for solo travelers during the day. Like any busy area, keep an eye on your belongings in the markets and avoid the Merenid Tombs area late at night.

What makes the architecture in the Mellah different from the rest of Fes?

The Mellah features outward-facing balconies and windows, which is rare in traditional Islamic architecture. This design allowed Jewish families to look out onto the streets, contrasting with the inward-facing Riads of the old medina.

Can you enter the Royal Palace in Fes?

No, the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) is not open to visitors. However, the Place des Alaouites offers a stunning view of its seven golden brass doors, which are a major highlight of the area.

When is the best time to visit the Jewish Cemetery in Fes?

Morning is the best time to visit to avoid the afternoon heat and ensure the gates are open. The cemetery is a vast, open space with very little shade.

Is the Jewish heritage walk in Fes worth it?

Absolutely, it provides a crucial look at Morocco's multicultural history. Seeing the restoration of Jewish sites alongside the Royal Palace offers a unique perspective on the city's identity.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to explore the Mellah of Fes, the first designated Jewish quarter in Morocco, established in 1438. This self-guided walk invites you to wander through the storied streets of Fes el Jdid, a neighborhood that offers a distinct architectural and cultural contrast to the ancient Fes el Bali. Unlike the inward-facing houses of the traditional Arab medina, the Mellah is famous for its houses with outward-facing wooden and wrought-iron balconies, reflecting a unique blend of Jewish and Moroccan urban design. As you explore independently, you will encounter the resilient spirit of a community that was central to Fes's history for centuries. The route takes you through the starkly beautiful Jewish Cemetery, where a sea of white tombstones tells the story of generations past. You will also visit restored spiritual landmarks like the Aben Danan and Al Fassiyine synagogues, which stand as monuments to the Sephardic heritage and the multicultural fabric of Morocco. Beyond the religious sites, this walking route showcases the grandeur of the Moroccan monarchy at the Place des Alaouites, home to the magnificent brass doors of the Royal Palace. While many visitors stick to the main medina, this neighborhood stroll offers a deeper look at the diverse history of the city. This walking tour Fes provides is a journey through time, ending with a breathtaking panoramic view that places the entire urban landscape in perspective. Whether you are interested in religious history, unique architecture, or simply looking for a quieter side of the city, this audio walk provides the context needed to appreciate the Mellah's enduring legacy. By following this self-guided walk, you can discover hidden synagogues and bustling markets at your own pace, ensuring a personal connection to one of the most significant Jewish heritage sites in North Africa.

Highlights

The striking sea of white tombstones at the Jewish Cemetery

The beautifully restored 17th-century Aben Danan Synagogue

The historic Synagogue Al Fassiyine, a UNESCO-supported restoration

The iconic golden brass doors of the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen)

Unique Mellah architecture featuring rare outward-facing balconies

Panoramic views of the Fes medina from the Merenid hills

Tour Stops (6)

Cementerio judío de Fez

Welcome to the Jewish Cemetery of Fes, a place of profound serenity and history. Established in the 15th century, this vast expanse is characterized by its distinctive semi-cylindrical white tombstones. As you walk the paths, look for the tomb of Solica, also known as Lalla Suleika, a young Jewish woman executed in 1834 who became a martyr and saint for both Jews and some Muslims. The cemetery serves as a silent witness to the centuries when Fes was a major center of Jewish life in the Maghreb. The sheer scale of the site reflects the once-thriving population of the Mellah. Take a moment to appreciate the contrast between the quiet white graves and the bustling city walls surrounding them.

Aben Danan Synagogue

Enter the Aben Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest and most intact synagogues in Morocco. Built in the 17th century by a wealthy family from Granada, it was restored in the 1990s to preserve its authentic Sephardic character. Inside, you will see a beautiful blend of Moroccan craftsmanship and Jewish tradition, including the wooden Torah ark and the decorative tilework. Don't miss the basement, which houses a traditional Mikvah, or ritual bath, fed by an underground spring. This site is a rare example of a private synagogue that survived the migration of the Jewish community, offering a window into the spiritual life of the Mellah during its peak.

Synagogue Al Fassiyine

The Synagogue Al Fassiyine is a testament to cultural preservation. Dating back to the 17th century, it served the 'Fassiyine' community—those Jews who had lived in Fes for generations before the arrival of the Spanish exiles. After falling into disrepair and being used as a workshop and gym, it was meticulously restored and inaugurated in 2013 with support from the Moroccan government and UNESCO. The interior features stunning Zellij tilework and carved plaster, reflecting the same high-level craftsmanship found in Morocco's famous madrasas. It symbolizes the historical 'convivencia' or coexistence that defined much of Moroccan history, where different communities shared architectural styles and social spaces.

Semmarin Medina Gate

You are standing at the Bab Semmarin, the grand gateway that connects the Mellah to the main street of Fes el Jdid. This area was the commercial heart of the 'New Fes.' As you pass through, notice the shift in atmosphere. The street beyond is lined with shops selling textiles, jewelry, and traditional clothing. Historically, the Jewish community played a vital role in the city's economy, particularly in the gold and silver trade, which is still evident in the nearby markets today. The massive stone arches of the gate remind us that Fes el Jdid was originally built as a fortified royal city, separate from the older Fes el Bali.

Place des Alaouites

This wide plaza is dominated by the monumental entrance to the Royal Palace, or Dar al-Makhzen. While the palace itself is not open to the public, its seven massive brass doors are world-famous. Each door represents a day of the week, and the intricate patterns are hand-carved in brass and surrounded by exquisite zellij tilework and carved cedar wood. The palace was strategically placed next to the Mellah, as the Jewish community was traditionally under the direct protection of the Sultan. This square is a popular spot for photography and provides a sense of the royal scale that defines Fes as one of Morocco's four imperial cities.

Hotel Les Merinides

To conclude your journey, we have moved to the hills overlooking the city. From this vantage point near the Hotel Les Merinides and the Merenid Tombs, you can see the entire tapestry of Fes. Look down to identify the minarets of the Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque and the sprawling walls of the medina. This view helps you understand the geography of the city: the old medina (Fes el Bali) in the valley, the 'new' city (Fes el Jdid) where you just walked, and the modern Ville Nouvelle in the distance. It is the perfect place to reflect on the layers of history, from the Merenid dynasty to the Jewish heritage of the Mellah, that make Fes a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Mellah is the best way to see the Jewish Quarter. This route covers the Jewish Cemetery, the Aben Danan Synagogue, and the Royal Palace gates in about 90 to 120 minutes.