Fez's old city, known as Fes el-Bali, is one of the world’s most well-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in the 9th century, it is a maze of over 9,000 winding alleys, bustling souks, and stunning examples of Islamic architecture. The medina is home to Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, as well as grand madrasas, intricate mosques, and traditional riads.

The city is famous for its vibrant tanneries, where leather is dyed using ancient techniques, and its zellige tilework, visible in fountains such as this one, palaces, and mosques. Fez remains a hub of craftsmanship, from handwoven textiles to intricate brass lanterns. Unlike modern cities, the medina remains car-free, with donkeys and handcarts navigating its narrow, bustling streets. The sights, sounds, and scents—freshly baked bread, fragrant spices, and the call to prayer echoing through ancient minarets—make Fez a truly immersive journey into Morocco’s past.