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Africa Morocco Fes Do & See Al-Qarawiyyin Library

Overview

Al-Qarawiyyin Library

The guide was updated: 2024-02-09

Reportedly the world's oldest library, first established in Fes over an entire millennium ago (9th century), the Al-Qarawiyyin Library recently opened its doors to the public once again following a restoration effort. The library still belongs to Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university on Earth.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

The Mellah

The Mellah

The 14th-century Jewish quarter of Fès has currently 160,000 inhabitants that live among and along its 9,500 streets. The various sites of Jewish heritage are well worth a visit but due to the maze of streets, it is wise to explore the mellah with an official guide.

Jewish Cemetery & Habarim Synagogue

Jewish Cemetery & Habarim Synagogue

In the southwest corner of The Mellah and next to the Habarim Synagogue, a sea of white tombs stretch down the hill, and it is easy to spot which are the graves of rabbis. As this is one of the oldest cemeteries in Morocco, you will find here Rabbi Vidal Hasserfaty, who died in 1600 already.

Synagogue Ibn Danan

Synagogue Ibn Danan

In the southwest corner of the Mellah, and past the Habarim Synagogue, Ibn Danan is an intimate synagogue with a fascinating atmosphere and a traditional ritual bath in the basement. Head here for getting an authentic feeling of religious experience.

Royal Palace Dar El-Makhzen

Royal Palace Dar El-Makhzen

The Royal Place is a graceful building with an impressive facade of 80 hectare, and its seven 80 feet high doors symbolise the seven days of the week. Although the palace is not open to public, it is worth the visit for an astonishing view onto itsoutstanding structure.

Dar Batha Museum

Dar Batha Museum

Located in an a century old Spanish-Moorish palace, the Dar Batha museum features a unique collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. Made out of wood, iron, plaster and other material, these art works will definitely impress you.

Riad Belghazi Museum

Riad Belghazi Museum

Belghazi is a private museum housed in a 17th-century palace, whose collection nearly rivals the one of Dar Batha Museum. As many of the items on display are actually for sale, do have a proper look for taking home a really unique souvenir.

Hammam Mernessi

Hammam Mernessi

At the top of Talaa Seghira, in Old Fès, this conveniently located hammam is one of the tourists' favourite Arabic spas throughout Medina as foreigners will also feel comfortable. Please note that men and women are allowed in at different times so do check upon your arrival.

Chouara Tanneries

Chouara Tanneries

This famous tanneries produces, among the three tanneries in the city of Fès in total, some of the finest leather in the world, using century old practices and also best materials. Find out more about the interesting procedure by visiting the sight in the oldest medina quarter, and by probably purchasing a souvenir.

Merenid Tombs at Borj Nord

Merenid Tombs at Borj Nord

Although dramatically advanced in their state of ruin, some of the ancient tombs and the 16th-century fortress remain their fine original decoration, and they spread a most impressive atmosphere. Best climb up at dusk for enjoying a dramatic and breathtaking view over Fès but keep in mind to head back early as the path is not featured with light.

Nejjarine Museum

Nejjarine Museum

Nejjarine Museum features wooden arts and crafts in a lovely, and well preserved building that, all alone, is already worth the visit. The museum shows the importance of art craft in Moroccan history, and it provides you with a funded understanding of the country's history in general as well.

Attarin Medersa

Attarin Medersa

The Attarin Medersa, a former koran school, might not be the biggest one in town but, instead of an impressive size, quite stunning for many reasons. The different tiles in lovely colours, and the overall architecture design make for a place that is a must see on your itinerary.

Jnan Sbil Garden

Jnan Sbil Garden

If you are craving a break from the bustling energy of Fès, then this little sanctuary is a perfect get away: the gardens are beautiful with French influence, and a lovely waterfall that invites you to stay at least for a bit.

Karaouiyne Mosque

Karaouiyne Mosque

Fès has many beautiful buildings, and the Karaouine Mosque is definitely one of the most impressive ones. While the University of Al-Karaouine is located at its mosque, established in 859, there are also beautiful embellishments and decorations to discover.

Bab Boujloud

Bab Boujloud

At one time or another, you will pass through Bab Bou Jeloud, The Blue Gates, and it is highly recommended to get a guide that shows you around while explaining the gates' history. In this area, you will also find many restaurants to go to for lunch, or for just grabbing a cooling drink.

Walk from Bab to Bab

Walk from Bab to Bab

Experience the impressive gates of Fès, as they will provide a great view of the city, and also memories of keyhole-perspective pictures taken at these very places. Pass both ancient and recent ones, on a walk from Bab Mahrouk (13th Century) to Bab Chorfa (14th Centure) and Bab Boujeloud (20th Century), and do also take in the peculiarities of the Old Town.

El Mokri Palace

El Mokri Palace

This 20th Century palace was built by the Pasha of Casablanca, and it is both a great example of Moroccan architecture and a popular movie setting that also hosts music festivals. Although the palace is not open to the public, its great décor and outside appearance are well worth a visit.

Art Naji

Art Naji

This family-run business has been creating pottery for generations already, and their beautiful products are well-known in the area. From vases over plates to cups, you can get everything within this authentic shop, so take your time and get a good look on the mosaic and the painted ceramics – you may also find a piece to take home.

Berber Pharmacies

Berber Pharmacies

Whether you believe in the cleansing power of spices and herbs or not, the Berber Pharmacies are an impressive sight, and also quite typical in Morocco: the big jars on sale hold obscure powders and peculiar dried plants, and many of them are believed to cure aches and pains. Get yourself a special blend or just take a picture of the mystical markets, as it is always worth a visit, and a try.

Volubilis

Volubilis

Not far from busy Fès, the former Roman city of Volubilis, an UNESCO World Heritage site, contains ancient vestiges of the Roman Empire. You can easily spend hours here for taking in all the colourful mosaics, and for exploring the ruins of houses, gates and palaces. To get here, you can either join an organised tour from Fès or catch a train to Meknes nearby.

Al-Qarawiyyin Library

Al-Qarawiyyin Library

Reportedly the world's oldest library, first established in Fes over an entire millennium ago (9th century), the Al-Qarawiyyin Library recently opened its doors to the public once again following a restoration effort. The library still belongs to Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university on Earth.

Bou Inania Medersa

Bou Inania Medersa

Bou Inania Medersa is a religious educational building in Talaa Kebira, and as itself already a real artwork well worth a visit. Ask for a guide in order to get a better understanding of the medersa and its history, and let its atmosphere fascinate you.

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