FES MEDINA, LEATHER TANNERY, & MORE
After leaving the incredibly beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen, we headed to the country’s cultural and spiritual center Fez. The locals actually spell and call it Fes!
We left Chefchaouen after lunch and arrived in Fez by night-time. We dropped our bags at the Hotel Royal Mirage, and then went out for a unique dinner with my travel talk tour group.
Well it was really more of a dinner-show, with nonstop entertainment from the time you walk in the door of Al Fassia. Don’t get me wrong— it’s definitely made for tourists, but the building itself was really incredible. And if you’re with a good group of people you’ll get your 25 dollars worth between the family-style food they offer and the laughs… lots of laughs!
The next day we had a tour of the city. We started off at the Royal Palace of Fez, well the doors of it anyway. It’s not open for tours, but you can marvel at the ornate details of it’s seven front gates.
We then drove up a hill to the Borj Nord castle. Unfortunately, the actual castle was under heavy construction. But the view of the medina from this spot was incredible!
A medina is a distinct historical city center, and the medina in Fez dates back to the 9th century. It’s considered one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns in the Arab-Muslim world. But, we’ll get to more of that in just a minute!
Before heading down into the medina, we stopped by the Poterie de Fes. It’s a pottery and mosaic cooperative employing more than 60 families in Fes. I think as Americans we often overlook the craftsmanship and artisanship that goes into creating pieces like this. They are literally laying stones one at a time by hand. So I just urge you to remember that it’s worth paying more for good value, and to support local artists wherever you go!
As promised, next we entered the medina. Have you ever seen the movie Aladdin? It’s not the movie’s setting, but this gave me major flashbacks to the One Jump Ahead song. It’s a maze of winding alleyways that would be near impossible to navigate without a guide. A walk through this medina it is like a walk back in time.
These well preserved medieval buildings have very high walls. This makes some of the alleyways very dark which can be kind of creepy… but it keeps them surprisingly cool in the very hot summer months! Also, the streets are extremely narrow, so bikes donkeys and mules are your only options for transportation.
***I should mention that you should be extremely careful of pickpockets, and I would recommend going with a guide.
Next we were able to peek into the Karaouiyn Mosque which also holds a university. Not just any university, but the oldest existing, continually operating higher educational institution in the world.
The theme of the day was undoubtedly craftsmanship, and that was especially true at this scarf store. Unlike many scarf vendors you’ll come across on your travels, this is the real deal. Weaved with a unique type of silk from agave plants. They showed us how to tie them around our heads, which came in handy when riding a camel in the Sahara. I bought one and I believe it was around 30 dollars.
Last but not least we visited a tannery where leather is dyed and processed. This tannery dates back to the 11th century. But brace yourself, it could be a little bit stinky. A key component to the process includes animal feces and urine. Did i just ruin leather products for you? I’m sorry! But this place was pretty cool, and there were some great leather products. Although, be ready to haggle with prices.
We finished off the long day with a drink by the hotel pool. And by the same time the next day, I’d be riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, but that’s for the next video!
If you have any questions feel free to email me at planetochampagne@gmail.com.