Fez - the pearl of the Arab culture, religious and cultural center of Morocco, founded about 12 centuries ago, the great saint Moulay Idriss I. Fez became the first capital of the state.

Like other Moroccan cities of Fez also has its old quarter - Medina, which consists of two parts: the old and the new. Old Medina of Fes el Bali was founded in the XI century. it has more than a thousand years, and a new - Fes el-Jadid - in the XIV century. she is only about 700 years. District of Fez el Bali somewhat isolated from the city. Behind its thick walls is the old cemetery, which is why the new quarters of the city were built at a distance. The old town is very easy to get lost. There are more 9400 alleys and narrow streets, 14 gates, 200 mosques and 180 hammams. To this day the old Medina has remained virtually unchanged.

The whole area of ​​the old town consists of 40 neighborhoods, whose inhabitants specialize in the form of his craft. Inside the Medina looks like a huge maze. Some streets are so narrow that, moving between the houses, you can engage the shoulders of the wall. That is why the main mode of transportation here are donkeys.

Fez el Bali attracts a huge number of tourists. In the shade of numerous small shopping streets hidden shops and craftsmen's workshops. Houses literally clenched with each other, some of them are kept in special props, so as not to fall apart. Facades and doors of some houses have an amazing finish, made in the form of lace wood carvings, colorful mosaics and arabesques.

In Fez el Bali is the mausoleum of Idris II. But the old Medina of Fez - is not only the numerous religious and memorial buildings. Here is its main attraction - was founded in the XII century. Islamic University of Al-Karuin.

Go to the Medina of Fez is recommended through the ancient gates Boo Dzhelud. Once they were used as ceremonial visits Sultan. Today, under the magnificent arch with rich ornamentation can be seen bustling crowds.