The Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, stands as one of the world's largest car-free urban areas. Founded in the 8th-9th centuries, this ancient walled city preserves over 1,200 years of Moroccan history within its labyrinthine network of 9,000+ narrow alleys. Home to significant landmarks including Al-Qarawiyyin University (859 CE), the Moulay Idriss II Mausoleum, and the 11th-century Chouara Tannery, the medina remains a living museum where traditional crafts still flourish in specialized districts. Its remarkable architecture blends Andalusian, Oriental, and African influences across distinct quarters: Fes el-Bali (the original city) and Fes Jdid (established 1276). Beyond being a historical monument, the medina continues as a vibrant community where ancient traditions and daily modern life coexist in Morocco's cultural heart.

Your guide will explain each stage of the fascinating process – from the initial treatment of raw hides in limestone mixtures to the softening process using natural ammonia sources, followed by washing and finally the application of those stunning natural dyes. You’ll witness firsthand how these craftsmen transform raw animal skins into the supple, colorful leather that Morocco is famous for worldwide.

Al Attarine Madrasa, built in 1323-1325 by Marinid Sultan Abu Said Uthman II, stands as a jewel of Islamic architecture in Fez, Morocco. Located near the spice market that gives it its name, this 14th-century theological school showcases the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship. Visitors are captivated by its central courtyard featuring a marble fountain surrounded by stunning zellig tile mosaics, intricate carved stucco, and masterful cedar woodwork. The prayer hall contains a beautifully decorated mihrab facing Mecca, while small student chambers once housed scholars studying Islamic law and theology. The madrasa's harmonious design blends geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Koranic calligraphy in perfect balance. Though no longer an active school, Al Attarine remains one of Morocco's most exquisite historical sites, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and artistic achievements of medieval Islamic civilization.

The University of Al Karaouine (Al-Qarawiyyin) in Fes, Morocco, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution and the first degree-awarding university, founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy merchant's daughter. The architectural complex features a prayer hall with 270 columns, intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and a central courtyard with a copper chandelier. Recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records, Al Karaouine continues its educational mission today as both a functioning mosque and university, representing Morocco's rich intellectual heritage and the significant contributions of women to Islamic scholarship.

Souk Sabaghine, Fes's historic Dyers' Souk, is a vibrant marketplace where centuries-old textile dyeing traditions continue today. Here, skilled artisans transform plain fabrics using natural dyes derived from local plants and minerals. Visitors witness craftsmen working in stone vats filled with brilliant blues, yellows, greens, and reds created from indigo, saffron, mint, and poppy. Colorful yarns and freshly dyed textiles hang from wooden poles to dry, creating a stunning visual tapestry against ancient stone walls. Located near Seffarine Square and Al Karaouine University, this working souk offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship that has remained largely unchanged since medieval times, preserving a living heritage increasingly rare in our modern world.

Place Seffarine, nestled in the heart of Fez's ancient medina, is a vibrant square renowned for its centuries-old copper craftsmanship. Named after the Arabic word "saffarin" (coppersmiths), this historic hub has been home to skilled metalworkers since at least the 16th century. The square resonates with the rhythmic concert of hammers striking metal as artisans create and restore intricate teapots, trays, and decorative items using techniques passed down through generations. A majestic tree provides shade to this open-air workshop where visitors can witness traditional craftsmanship firsthand. This living monument to Moroccan artisanal heritage offers an authentic glimpse into Fez's cultural soul, where the gleam of polished copper and the skillful hands of master craftsmen preserve an artistic tradition increasingly rare in today's world.

The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, located in the heart of Fez's UNESCO-listed medina, houses the tomb of Idris II who ruled Morocco from 807-828 and is considered the founder of Fez. This zawiya (Islamic shrine and religious complex) ranks among Morocco's holiest sites, drawing thousands of Muslim pilgrims seeking blessings. The shrine gained prominence when Idris II's allegedly incorrupt body was discovered in 1308, five centuries after his death. The current structure, built between 1717-1824, features exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship with vibrant mosaics, intricate stucco, elaborate carpets, and noble woods. Situated in the "Sacred District" near Al-Attarine Madrasa, the complex includes a prayer hall with colorful carpets surrounding a marble fountain, the Al-Ashraf mosque, and is topped by a distinctive green-tiled pyramidal roof.