Fez, Morocco’s oldest Islamic city and third largest after the capital Rabat and the commercial hub Casablanca,.      Along the way are towns made famous by their thermal springs and waterfalls, picturesque villages, and centuries-old communities.  For the traveler with time to spend in this region, the towns of Moulay Yacoub, Sefrou.  and Midelt are worth a visit.  And there are plenty of attractive villages in dramatic landscapes.  Merzouga and Rich, way to the south of Fez, are just two examples that could be included in an itinerary. Fez lies on the Saiss Plateau on the very edge of the Middle Atlas Mountains.  South of Fès, the landscape becomes hillier as it approaches the Middle Atlas, with the much higher and more extensive High Atlas range behind it.  Almost due south of Fès is the mighty Jebel Ayachi, which at 3,747 m, is the highest peak in the eastern section of the High Atlas, a beautiful range that is home to some of Morocco’s rarest flowers, animals, and birds-  and a haven for naturalists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions.  Fez and the High Atlas Mountains experience some of the most extreme temperatures of all the regions in Morocco.  The summer from late June to September can be exception- ally hot with Fahrenheit temperatures in Fez reaching triple figures.  Winter days are much colder, with the mountain peaks often coated with a heavy layer of snow.  Winter sports are a popular pastime here, but trekkers should note that mountain passes are often closed when snowfall is at its heaviest.  From history and heritage to landscapes full of wildlife and sporting opportunities, Fez and the High Atlas region have proved key places to visit on most visitors’ itineraries. 

CENTRAL FEZ

Layers of history unfold like an exotic flower in the culturally rich and complex city of Fez, from the Hispano-Arabic influenced mosques,Medersas (universities), labyrinthine lanes, and courtyards of 8th century Fez el Bali, to the 13th century Marinid royal palaces and gardens surrounded by the Jewish architecture of Fez el Jedid, to the elegant, wide, tree-lined boulevards of the 20th century French, built ville nouvelle.

THE FEZ: A distinctive Hat

The city of Fez is famous for its brimless, red, cylindrical hat known as a fez,  fèsi, or Tarboush.  Until the 19th century, it was the only city in the world to manufacture this popular headgear favored by men and military personnel in the Maghreb, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire.  Its origins are unclear and some stories suggest it was first conceived in ancient Greece, but the most popular account is that it came from Fès, where they can still be purchased in the medina.  This hat is made of a woven fabric similar to felt and adorned with a tassel.  It is generally red in color, although variations have included white and black.  The red dye for the hats is produced from kizilcik berries that thrive on the outskirts of the city. 

FEZ POTTERY

As you wander around the city’s shops and souks, you will see the brilliant cobalt-blue pottery that has been made in Fès since the 11th century.  Craftsmen still make it by hand in workshops off the rue Talaa Kebira, turning pots on a traditional potter’s wheel as has been the practice for centuries.  Water is added to the clay to make it moist and malleable before each piece is fashioned and then fired in a large kiln fueled by olive pits.  Afterward, intricate geometric or floral designs horsehair brushes onto the surface of the are painted with delicate pottery, which is then sealed with a final firing.  Among the pieces are jugs, vases, jars with lids, bowls, plates, and tajines (for cooking Morocco’s famous cous cous).  You can visit a pottery factory (Cooperative des Patrons Potiers, rue de Sidi Hrazem, Ain Nokbi, to see Fez pottery being made in the industrial quarter of Ain Nokbi, near Bab Ftouh in the Andalusian district.  However, if you are looking for gifts, the best buys can be found in Fès el Bali medina’s Souk el Henna, located in a square off Souk Attarine (souk el Attarine). 

INSIDER TIP:

• Visit the carpenters, blacksmiths, or any type of craftspeople willing to give you behind the scenes access. Some of the oldest and most traditional crafts in Fez are the Moroccan slippers and the ornate and highly detailed tea service sets.

JEWISH QUARTER

Located in the southeast of the Fez el Jedid district is the Jewish Quarter of the city known as the mellah.  Most major Moroccan towns and cities have a mellah, but the one in Fès is widely believed to have been the first.  It dates from the 14th-century Marinid period, although the present buildings are mostly 18th and 19th century and noted for the fact  that they bind unusually close together.  When the mellah was created, space was limited, so families built their homes with two stories and close together.  An inner courtyard provided the only outside area.  As you wander around, you will see this rare form of architecture, along with many souks and workshops, where traditional crafts are being made. 

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