Three layers
Zellij, stucco, cedar.
Robert Prazeres — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michal Huniewicz — CC BY 3.0 · Unknown — Public domain · Uwe Brodrecht — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Maureen from Buffalo, USA — CC BY 2.0 · JasmineartGallery — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ayman.mesa25 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · R Prazeres — CC BY-SA 4.0
A madrasa built by the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris between 1350 and 1355, counted among the finest examples of Marinid and Moroccan architecture. It is the only madrasa in Morocco that also served as a congregational mosque, which is why it has a prominent minaret rising over the city. At its centre is a marble-paved courtyard ringed by galleries, with student rooms on the upper floor, and at its end the prayer hall, separated from the courtyard by a channel of water. Its walls are covered in layers of coloured zellij below, carved stucco in the middle and carved cedar above, with astonishing precision and harmony. Across the street stands the Dar al-Magana, whose facade carries an old fourteenth-century water clock with windows and brass bowls, the workings of which still intrigue researchers. Admission is about twenty dirhams according to 2026 guides, and it closes to visitors at prayer times, as it is still a mosque. It is a few steps from Bab Bou Jeloud, a fine start to a walk through the medina.
Zellij, stucco, cedar.
Before the prayer hall.
An old water clock.
Tala'a Kebira, near Bab Bou Jeloud, Fes el Bali
Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)The most famous and beautiful gate of Fes, known as the Blue Gate and the main e2 minutes walk
Al Batha Museum of Islamic ArtsA former royal palace between Fes el Bali and Fes el-Jdid, commissioned by Sulta3 minutes walk
Fes el Bali (Old Medina)The oldest part of Fes, founded by the Idrisids as their capital between 789 and7 minutes walk
Jnan Sbil GardensA historic public garden between Fes el Bali and Fes el-Jdid, created by Sultan 7 minutes walk
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden ArtsA historic funduq, an inn for merchants and travellers, in the heart of Fes el B9 minutes walkAt prayer times, as it is still a working mosque, so plan your visit between prayers, especially on Fridays.