VISIT FES THE HISTORIC CAPITAL OF THE KINGDOM

   Fez is the oldest of four imperial cities of Morocco. Its cultural and architectural heritage is considerable through the preservation of the numerous monuments. Celebrated throughout the Muslim world, Fez has long radiated on the intellectual and religious. Not surprising to find some of the finest museums in Morocco. 

   For all these reasons, Fez is a highly recommended step on a trip to Morocco. Located in the Middle Atlas, Fez can be visited throughout the year. However, summer is particularly hot, it is best to explore the city in spring or autumn.

City History 

    Founded in 789 by Idriss 1st, descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and founder of the kingdom, Fes quickly became the capital of Morocco. In the ninth century, Sultan Idriss II hosts, in turn, many families Andalusian, Jewish and Kairouan. This "melting pot" benefits Fez becomes the cultural and religious center of Morocco. 

    In 1069, the Almoravids seized Fez after six years of siege. The city lost its status as capital to Marrakech. However, Fez continues to radiate culturally and artistically. In the twelfth century, it was the Almohads who seized the city. At that time, Fez is a real commercial crossroads between Spain, North Africa and the Sahara. The city continues to thrive. 

    In the thirteenth century, the weakening Almohad benefits Marinids. This new dynasty is the capital of Fez in 1250 the heyday of the city begins. The Marinids want to give a new dimension to Fez. They begin building a city within a city: the incredible Fez el Jadid including royal palaces, gardens, baths, mosques and barracks, protected by an enclosure all. The madrassas, Koranic schools, are the prestige of Fez because they form the religious elites, intellectual and political. The golden age of Fez is also a time when international trade is flourishing. Trade with Portugal and England, but also India and the Middle East is growing. 

    From the fifteenth century, Fez will decline somewhat with the end Merinid. In 1549, the Saadian seize him but prefer Fez Marrakech, conquered 25 years earlier. The fall of the city is accelerating the seventeenth century between plague, famine and civil war. 

    The wheel turns in 1666 when the first ruler of the Alawite dynasty is the capital of Fez. Trade is restored and the city is repopulated. In the eighteenth century, Fes shines again on religious intellectuals plans and thanks to the famous and powerful University of Qaraouiyne, the oldest in the world. 

    In the nineteenth century, Hassan first begins to modernize the city. But it was not until 1912, when the act of the Protectorate of Fez, for the modern city really develops. Soon after, Fez lost its status as capital to Rabat. 

    In 1980, the city is a World Heritage Site by Unesco.