Fez

The medieval capital of Morocco, Fes is located in the northern part of the country, bordered by the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. One of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Fes is considered the country’s cultural and spiritual centre toi be visited on Morocco vacations.

The city was established in 789 by Idris I who was instrumental in the early Islamization of Morocco. The 9th century witnessed emigration from Andalusia and Tunisia as well as Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa. A Jewish population also settled in their own part of the city called Mellah. The 13th and 14th centuries saw Fes become well-known throughout Europe as a trading centre and as a place of great artistic merit. Early in the 20th century Morocco became a French protectorate and was granted independence in 1956.