Fes el Bali is the medina area and the city’s oldest neighborhood. It’s thought to be the largest intact surviving medina in the world. The main gate into the area is Bab Boujloud. As you approach this grand old gate, you get wonderful views of the neighborhood’s famed landmark: the minaret of the Medersa Bou Inania, which sits just after the Bab Boujloud gate.
Within its walls, the rambling streets spiral out into two distinctly different districts, divided by a meandering river. The left bank is home to the most historic monuments and the majority of the shopping souks, while the right bank may be scruffier but is full of local life and photogenic alleyways. The right bank also has some interesting buildings to search out, including the Al-Andalus Mosque, built in 1321 and noted for its prominent green and white minaret, which actually dates back to the 10th century.
Nearby, you’ll find a variety of interesting other monuments including an old fondouk (khan or caravanserai) and the crumbling Medersa Sahrij. The entire Old City is a walker’s delight, with plenty of opportunities to explore and soak up the atmosphere of Fes life. Be aware that the area is hilly, and the lanes are laid with cobblestones, so wear sturdy shoes
