Africa

How to enjoy Morocco - 13 things to know before you go

2hw — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 09:53:13 +0000

2hw Sun, 04/07/2019 - 12:53

Traveling gives the great opportunity to submerge yourself in different cultures, however, knowing some of the peculiarities in advance may help you have a better holiday. Morocco can surprise visitors in many ways, so here I have compiled a list of things I would've liked to know before going there. What was your experience in Morocco - let us know in the comments below.

Reading this article one might think that Morocco has many drawbacks, but being mentally prepared for the worst is just one side of it, don't forget to check our posts about Morocco and the great times we had there.

So here it is, the list of things to know before going to Morocco to truly enjoy this amazing country:

Scammers

Carpets and jewelry, maybe good quality at bargain price?

One of the things one may encounter in a country with long history as a tourist destination are experienced and skilled scammers. Best thing you can do is just accept it in advance, it can happen to anybody and there is no reason to ruin your holiday over some small amount of money. What you can do is mitigate and do your best to protect yourself.

One general rule to remember is that nothing is free. Everything costs money and you may be asked to pay for advice, walking, talking, guiding. Somebody helped you get into a parking spot? He might ask for money. You got lost and a friendly local is happy to take you to your hotel or a main street? This favor may not be for free.

Another rule that will help you is to negotiate the price in advance. Never accept a service or goods before clarifying how much you are going to pay for it. Negotiating is the norm, haggle knowing your limit in advance, do not go over it. Be firm, without being rude when negotiating or declining an offer.

Pay only after receiving the agreed service and only if the service was performed as agreed. Even if the agreed price is more than generous it is almost mandatory to be asked for a tip. Feel free to decline with a smile - if there was a price agreed then a tip on top of it is just a tourist fools tax.

There is a special side note regarding restaurant scams in Morocco. Sometimes items you haven't ordered will be brought to your table - side dishes, salads, water. One might expect those to be free, but that's not always the case. Before you touch anything you haven't ordered make sure you know how much it costs. Usually they try to scam people with small amounts, but there are cases of tourists forced to pay 5 euro per glass of water (which they assumed was free).

I had an interesting conversation with a waiter near Bab Rcif in Fes. I asked how much is the mint tea and he just told us to take a seat and relax. When I asked for a second time he said "Don't worry, tea is on me". Alarm bells? I smiled, said thank you and asked for a third time. Finally he told me the price, which was above average, but we still ordered and enjoyed our drinks.

Also, don't give 100% of your trust to the carpet sellers. Especially when they tell you how this 20 euro carpet can easily be sold for 200 in your home country.

Taking pictures

Ok to photograph the goods, but he wanted to hide his face

It was really surprising that in a popular tourist country taking photos of things on public display can be a problem. Even things like food stalls, shops, workshops - it is best to ask before taking a photo. Most of the people we asked were happy to allow us, some even suggested better angles or wanted to show us a particular item, but some firmly declined, some asked for payment. I even saw a seller covering his goods with a piece of cardboard when a tourist pointed a camera in this direction.

Photographing people is a whole different story - one has to be very careful there, people get easily offended. You want to get a shot of the machine gun armed patrols? Better don't. Also, don't give anyone the idea you might be taking photos of Muslim women, they cover their heads and in some case faces for a reason.

Driving in Morocco

There are several factors that make driving in Morocco a taxing experience. First one are the other drivers - obeying the rules is not popular, there are many aggressively moving vehicles and dangerous situations are quite common. This applies mostly to the cities, but not only - what a western driver might call rude, reckless or crazy driving can be seen all the time, everywhere. In the cities traffic can get really bad and there is no such thing as "give way" - nobody gives it to you, it is up to you to "take way".

Secondly, the roads are in bad shape - watch out for potholes, bumps, suddenly appearing narrow sections of the road, animals. On main country roads and highways there are detours going through fields, some work in progress might leave you driving on long stretches of rough gravel.

Despite all that, self driving is a great way to explore Morocco, giving you great freedom. If you have solid driving experience, preferably outside western countries and are feeling adventurous I would suggest doing it, but be patient - it takes time, be careful - look in every direction, don't get distracted and be prepared - get insurance, bring your dash cam just in case.

Check out our video showing how fun is driving in the medina in Marrakesh:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LAAQdbYS2o

Be prepared health wise

Vaccines: On top of your usual vaccines like a seasonal flu shot, recommended for Morocco are vaccinations for: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, polio, mumps, rubella, influenza, and rabies. This is neither complete, nor mandatory list, consider your personal situation, like duration and planned activities, consult a travel vaccination specialist.
Medicine: Bring all the medications you take regularly for the duration of your stay plus supply for extra 5-10 days, just in case. It is always a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit, some of your preferred pills for pain, fever and stomach discomforts.
Basics: Don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and pocket sized bottle of hand sanitizer.
Insurance: Morocco may not be a very expensive destination, but quality healthcare there is far from cheap and we always recommend having a good travel insurance, you can get one from World Nomads

Food and drinks

Moroccan cuisine is world famous for a reason, but words like "clean" and "hygiene" have a different meanings to different people, so if you want to enjoy some delicious street snacks here are some tips to avoid problems later.

Don't drink the tap water. If you want to be extra cautious use the words "no ice" when ordering a drink, freezing doesn't kill the bad things and ice is not made from bottled water.
Alcohol is expensive and not offered in every restaurant. If you can't have your dinner without beer or wine, make sure they sell alcohol first.
Go where other people go - a crowded restaurant is always a better choice than an empty one. Also, big sales volume means less chance for spoiled or old ingredients.
Inspect the place before ordering - does it look clean? For example, some street vendors have their sweets covered in flies, but one can find the same sweets, be it at a higher price, in bakeries, safely stored behind windows.
Be prepared with you vaccinations (read the section above) and always carry hand sanitizer. Choose the latter carefully, some might remind you of a hospital, but there are brands that have pleasant aromas or even some without smell that will not ruin your meal.

Hot water and heating? Maybe...

If you can take a hot shower in your hotel room consider yourself lucky. Two factors contribute to this problem - high cost of fuel and electricity and huge competition forcing hotels to keep prices low. Even in fancy hotels getting hot water might be something that doesn't happen every day. Do your research before booking a hotel, people usually mention not being able to shower in their reviews.

Lack of heating might affect less tourists, but it is as widespread as the cold showers. Many hotels offer a pile of blankets as the only option to keep warm. Some air conditioners can function as heaters, but not all. Again - research in advance.

Overpriced attractions

Saadian Tombs - beautiful, but is it worth it?

When a tourist place gets popular sometimes this brings out some of the worst human qualities such as greed. Unfortunately this happens in Morocco too. Some tourist attractions due to positive reviews and growing popularity increase entry prices (for tourists) two-threefold in less than a year. The most glaring example we encountered were Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh - 7 euro for a five minute walk where you can see some average tile work priced at half the entry to Sagrada Familia in Madrid - I cannot say it is worth it in any way. And the tombs are popular and have numerous good reviews, majority of which posted by people who paid less than 2 euro, not more than a year ago.

Best thing you can do is research the attractions in advance and decide how much (in monetary value) they are worth to you before you go. The information you find online cannot be trusted completely, as price increases are happening very often, what you expect to pay 2 euro per person might be now 4 or more.

Cats

Feral cats in Chefchaouen

Are you a cat person? You will love Morocco. Or hate it. There are many stray cats everywhere, which at a first glance looks like cat lover's paradise. After a closer look one may find out that many of those are starving, injured or sick. Best thing you can do is ignore and avoid them. Please understand, those kitties have nothing in common with the house cats from your country. They are not vaccinated, which means a bite or a scratch might ruin your holiday even if you have all vaccines and tetanus shots. They are not desexed, so their behavior is different from your neighbors sleepy tabby, I saw a tourist getting a deep scratch for just trying to pose with a cat on the streets of Marrakesh. Do not feed them, because this can provoke a fight and you might get some scratches in it too.

If you get bitten or scratched by a stray animal (or any animal) seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how inconvenient it may be, how much it will cost you, etc. Rabies is a deadly disease and if not given a vaccine on time there is no cure.

What to wear in Morocco

Men: Even if you are proud of your six pack keep it covered, along with your knees and shoulders.
Women: I would strongly advise against deep cleavages and shorts that keep the lower half of your butt exposed. It is best to cover ankles and elbows, always a good idea to carry a scarf. If you show a lot of flesh expect looks and not the curious and happy type, more of the disapproving and negative flavor.

Pickpockets

Jemaa el-Fnaa, favorite hunting grounds for generations of pickpockets

Can happen anywhere, but their favorite hunting grounds are crowded places like markets, busy streets and popular tourist attractions. Use common sense to reduce the risk - don't wear expensive jewelry and better to leave the $5000 watch at home. Do not leave money or valuables easily accessible, for example the back pocket of your jeans is not the best place to keep your phone. Do not carry and in no situation show huge amounts of cash. Split your pocket money in separate places, this way if somebody empties your left pocket you will still have money for a taxi or a meal in your right one.
If you get pick-pocketed do not expect any help from the police beyond maybe filing a report you can use later with your insurance company.

Haggle

Get ready to haggle, it's a cultural thing, especially at markets and souvenir shops. Keep in mind that even marked prices can be negotiated, the labels stuck on items are just a starting point. If you love to haggle - go ahead, turn a simple purchase into a souvenir with a story! If you can't - decide how much you are willing to spend (or what this item is worth to you) and make it your last offer - if it is accepted - good, if not - move along.

Mosques - noise

This one is very important, especially if this is your first visit to a Muslim country. In Morocco mosques are everywhere, can be big or small, but many times a day they all broadcast calls to prayers which can interrupt your sleep, multiple times per night. If you are a light sleeper or very sensitive to noise don't forget to bring earplugs or your favorite noise cancelling earphones. With that said, we were only waken up once (at 4 am) for our two weeks in Morocco - probably too tired of sightseeing most of the time.

Mosques - no entry for non-Muslims

If you are not a Muslim you are not allowed to enter any of the mosques and many other religious sites in Morocco, with the only exception of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. There are some articles advising on how to sneak in, but I would strongly recommend respecting the local culture, obeying the rules and as a result - admiring the mosques only from outside.

Date Visited

October 2018

Destinations

Comments

Getting lost in Fes and finding awesome places

2hw — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 23:54:25 +0000

2hw Mon, 04/01/2019 - 02:54

If you have more than 2-3 days to spend in Fes, getting lost in the medina (old town) is a fun adventure, this part of the city holds many treasures to be discovered within its tiny maze-like streets - see what we found just walking and taking random turns.

Even walking aimlessly, you will most likely stumble upon some of the "Top 10 things to see in Fes", check out our post, so you don't miss any of the best attractions.

If you look at Google Maps, you will see some of the main streets of the medina, but there are many side streets and small alleys, not marked there. You can use the navigation to try follow a general direction, but do not expect turn-by-turn instructions.

Don't be afraid to leave the main streets, you may have to go back if you hit a dead end, but that's part of the fun. Small alleys might take you to all kinds of places, but in any case - they offer a more intimate and quieter view of everyday life in the medina.

Here are some of the interesting spots we discovered while wandering, some can be called less popular tourist attractions, others - just cool photo opportunities.

The medina districts

Giant slipper marks the entrance of a slippers shop

Walking through the medina you will notice that there is some logic to the chaotic little streets and alleys - the shops are not randomly spread, but rather, in small districts, each specializing in different trade. No sign will tell you when you enter a specific market - the locals know their way around and for tourists it is a treat to discover the unique places in the old city.

Metal filigree shop in Fes

The coppersmiths are usually outside the shops banging on bigger or smaller vessels to form to perfect shape, then polish them until they shine like a mirror. In the metal filigree district you will find shop after shop filled with lamps, lights and decorations, each covered in mesmerizing intricate details. Beautiful carpets with colorful designs await in the carpet section, where the shop owners will wait for clients offering great deals and quality rugs.

Coppersmiths workshop in Fes

We were particularly enticed when we entered the Moroccan desserts part of the medina - sweet smells, syrupy delights all around, and every baker offering a sample to prove their products are the best.

If you plan to return to some particular section of the medina - don't forget to mark it on your GPS - it is not easy to find it again otherwise.

Cheez Alaoui Tannery

One of the smaller tanneries in Fes, but it was the first one we saw, after finding it on our own and it really made an impression. Sales people are happy to take visitors to the roof where the smell is overpowering, and no wonder, considering that urine and pigeon poo are used to process the raw skins. There are vats for softening and dying the leather and the man who took us upstairs explained the whole process, then took us to the shop where a huge variety of leather goods is on display. Here, nobody asked for an entrance fee, but there is always the expectation to buy something so the guy earns a commission. Keep in mind that if you don't have any intention to buy, you can always leave a small tip and explain that there is no need to waste your and his time - that's what we did and was met with an understanding smile.

Markets and souvenir shops

Many souvenir shops are hidden in the labyrinth of the medina offering curious gifts for the traveler to bring home - leather slippers, pottery, argan oil. You probably won't get the best quality, but they are inexpensive and interesting for anyone who has not been to Morocco and you can practice your haggling skills.

Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani

According to the info outside this mosque-mausoleum, it holds the remains of one of the city's great saints, born in Algeria. Even nowadays, pilgrims from some African countries pay visit to the tomb before continuing their voyage to Mecca. Non Muslims can just look from the outside, but it is still worth a stop to admire the beautiful carvings, colored wood panels and colored windows that can be seen inside. Also, the bright green minaret acts like a beacon that attracts people this way.

Tiny tea shops

When you get tired of being lost in the maze, it is not hard to find one of the many tea shops tucked away in the alleys. There you can relax your feet, drink some refreshing mint tea and do some people watching as locals go around their business.

We particularly liked getting a seat at one of the tea shops near Rcaif gate at sunset. It is a very lively place with people going in and out of the medina after work and the square fills with families and kids enjoying the coolness of the coming night and having fun.

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque

Read about the amazing secrets of Al Quaraouiyine Library in "Top 10 things to see in Fes"

Built at the same time as the library initially a small mosque, Al Quaraouiyine has been expanded, restored and decorated many times, resulting in one of the major landmarks in Fes. A true icon of Moroccan architecture, the mosque with its white minaret is easy to distinguish from anywhere. Through the ages it has become a major learning center for the whole Islamic world and numerous distinguished scholars, including historians, philosophers and geographers had studied there.

Water fountains

Old water fountains can be found all around the old city and years ago they were the only water source for the residents and as such focal points of the local community. Today, most are no longer working and even the ones that are still operational are neglected, but even in that state they are still worth a look. The water fountains are heavily decorated with beautiful tiles in colorful patterns and can usually be found hidden in blind alleys or in corners near mosques.

Architecture

The old city is full of beautiful examples of Moroccan architecture all around. The gates in the city are impressive - be it the city gates, with their huge tiled arches, the mosque and mederse gates with their intricate lace designs or even just the gates of the regular homes. Many small alleys lead to old fondouks and riads and if you look up from time to time the tall minarets and decorative wood carvings on many of the buildings stand out.

Ras el hanout shop

While walking through the Spice Market, which interestingly, has only a small number of stalls selling spices left today, a divine smell hit me. This was way above the tasty Moroccan aromas everywhere, something special. We followed our noses to a stall and the shop keeper immediately greeted us and showed us what brought us there. "Ras el hanout" directly translated means “head of the shop" or in other words - mix of best of the best spices this shop has to offer. There is no specific recipe, every shop and many households make their own mix, according to their tastes. The man proudly explained how his father inherited the shop and the recipe from his father and that we were speaking with a third generation spice master. On the wall is a copy of article from Lonely Planet showing the same shop with his father from decades ago, it always brings joy to see people taking so much pride in their work.

Then he showed us some of the ingredients that go into this heavenly powder - cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, all spice, star anise, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, three types of dries rose buds and many more, some of which secret, totaling at more than 40 different components and of course - mixed in a secret proportion. We bought some, I've tasted many spices, including different interpretations of Ras el hanout, but this is a whole new level of awesome.

Bab Guissa Cemetery

From the medina we decided to walk to the hill with the Marinid Tombs on top, it is not the most pleasant walk, but is doable and there are some interesting sights along the way. Exiting the medina through Bab Guissa we found ourselves in a cemetery. At first we assumed it is an old one, but it is actually still in use and occupies large sections of the nearby hills. The contrast was amazing - minutes from the lively, noisy and crowded old town is a tranquil place without people, the only exception a herdsman looking after some goats and donkeys. There were even some goat skins colored with precious saffron drying in the sun. In addition to being a shortcut to the tombs, our path revealed nice views of Fes and sections of the city wall.

Cave dwellings

Going up we noticed some unusual cave-like holes in the hills. Some were well preserved, some caved-in and almost indistinguishable. When we got to the Marinid Tombs an old man came to us and tried to sell us handwoven wool hats. Despite the low price and claims that his wife made them he couldn't convince us to buy any in the +30°C heat. We sat together in a shadow and talked, he explained that several decades ago his family lived in the caves we had just seen, but now they moved to a small white house on the nearby hill. Basically the government helped/forced them out of the caves and I got the feeling he was a little bit nostalgic about it.

Date Visited

October 2018

Destinations

Comments

Top 10 things to see in Fes

2hw — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 07:50:17 +0000

2hw Fri, 03/01/2019 - 09:50

Fes has so much to offer to any visitor and it is a good idea to arrive prepared with ideas of what to look for, this guide will help you with that. If time is not an issue I would suggest reading our story "Getting lost in Fes", a fun adventure of taking random turns and finding interesting spots. Otherwise, I would recommend to spend at least 2-3 days there and if this is all the time you have - focus on finding the attractions from this list.

The Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud, Bab Bou Jeloud)

The most important gate of the city wall, ornately decorated with tiles which are blue on the outer facade and actually green on the inside. Perhaps this signifies that passing through the gate you are entering a different world. The current structure was build in 1913 and a curious thing to note is that the gates close and lock from the outside - this surely has something to do with the French administration ruling the country at that time (and almost only Moroccan residents inside the medina).

Cars are not allowed to go through the gate and inside the medina, so if you are traveling with a lot of luggage and want to stay inside the old city it is very convenient to find accommodation close to the Blue Gate, that's what we did and it was a great choice. Right through the gate there is a small square with several restaurants and various vendors, from there you can choose between two of the main streets leading into the heart of the medina.

Zaouia De Moulay Idriss II

Idris II was the ruler of Morocco between 807 and 828, he is also the founder of the city of Fes, he made the city capital and was also responsible for making it an economic and cultural center. This complex holds his tomb and as a religious site non-Muslims are not allowed to enter. The minaret is the tallest in Fes, combined with the green pyramidal roof are very easy to spot when looking at the city from above. Finding one of the entrances is more difficult as from short distance the mentioned features are hidden by other buildings clustered nearby. Even without going inside one can take a peek at the beautiful and rich decorations inside. It is definitely worth it going around and checking out the side doors, there is a big yard with a fountain in the middle to be found.

Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts

That's one of the real gems in Fes! The building is a sight by itself, a wonderfully restored fondouk (caravanserai) - a combination of a market and an inn. Up until the 18th century traveling merchants stored and sold their goods on the ground level by day and by night slept in the rooms on the higher floors. Now the museum displays a rich collection of items from many regions and eras including windows, doors, shelves, chests, musical instruments and much more. There are also exhibitions themed around different types of wood, wood crafting tools and techniques.

Medersa El Bouanania (Bou Inania Madrasa)

One of the very few religious sites in Fes where non Muslims are allowed to enter is this madrasa (school). In the past this complex was both an educational center and a mosque, the minaret is still standing and is visible from most of the city, commonly photographed trough the horseshoe shape of The Blue Gate. Interesting features are the marble columns in the mosque, all walls are covered in colorful zellige (tiles), and the delicate carvings on the cedar friezes match the patterns on the plaster panels.

Place Rcif

This square features one of the big gates to the old city - Bab Rcif, a large mosque and a big open area surrounded by small shops and cafes. The mosque is the city's Friday mosque and predates the square by a century, it's minaret is one of the tallest and most distinctive in the area with it's square base and green tiled highlights.

The place actually comes to life in the late afternoon when vendors and local people fill the square, it is a great spot to get some street food, sit on the stairs near the wall to enjoy it while watching the people around you. There are some fun activities for kids, like a trampoline and bikes for rent, so many families gather there to socialize while the little ones play.

Al Quaraouiyine Library

This place deserves the label "hidden gem", mainly because it actually looks closed. With the huge wooden doors shut and vendors occupying the stairs one can easily decide to move on, but if you are brave enough to knock and lucky enough somebody to open the door - be happy, you will see some unique things, it is the oldest working library in the world!

Time magazine included the library in the list of World's Greatest Places for 2018, which should be a reason enough to visit, but let me give you some highlights. Built in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy merchant along with a mosque and university with the same name, the library was where most important texts in the country were kept for centuries.

As the building lost some of it's significance during the centuries, parts of its unique collection were scattered among other libraries and museums, now it holds about 4000 texts. A restoration project began in 2012 and from 2016 the library is (kind of) open to the public and scholars. Today it features a climate controlled room for storing the most unique old books, including a 9th century Quran in its original binding.

The architecture and decorative details are breathtaking, you will see working fountains and beautiful staircases, but for me personally the most interesting thing was the door to the "vault" - the room where the most precious books were kept. The iron reinforced door installed in the 16th century has a unique security mechanism controlled by four separate locks. Each lock had an individual key, kept by one of the chief librarians, the contents of the room were so valuable all four people had to be present with their keys to access the written treasures inside.

Borj Nord (Museum of Arms)

Positioned on a hill overlooking the old city of Fez Borj Nord is the best preserved of the ten bastions around the city. This magnificent example of 16th century European architecture was actually designed and build by Portuguese captives and has a very close resemblance of some fortifications built in Italy and Portugal during the Renascence.

Nowadays the fort holds more than 5000 items from the Museum of Arms, with a significant part of those - more than 800 on display. Visitors can see great examples of Moroccan weapons from different eras, interestingly notable are the shifts in influences on technologies and design - changing from African in the early days to European in the 17-18th century. There are many displays of various weapons from other countries as well, but also pay attention to the building itself. Visiting Borj Nord is an exciting experience not just for weapons enthusiasts - look at the thick walls and defense mechanisms of the fort. Don't forget to get to the roof, amazing views of Fes and great photo opportunities.

Unfortunately taking photos is not allowed on the exhibition floors, but the only item I truly regret not photographing is a revolver with a built-in bottle/can opener!

Chouara Tannery

The largest, most impressive and popular in Fes - if you want to see only one tannery that's it. It is actually a complex with many leather workshops and shops surrounding and sharing the "tannery" - numerous vats for cleaning, softening and dying the leather pieces.

When you get near the tannery "guides" lurking in the streets will offer to take you there - you don't really need them, finding the place on Google Maps and following the signs and arrows on the streets is very easy. If you are not firm in declining their services expect to pay a fee when you arrive at the entrance, even if the "guide" didn't help you at all.

Being the top in its class Chauara Tannery charges an entrance fee, which may be waived if you make a large purchase inside, but otherwise - don't forget that the guy giving you a bunch of fresh mint at the door will ask for money when you are leaving.

What is the mint for? When a staff member takes you to the roof you will understand immediately and will do your best to stick it inside your nose. Many of the vats below contain urine and pigeon excrement, even some of the dyes used smell awful, this, combined with the aroma of hundreds raw animal skins, creates a powerful and unpleasant smell your only other chance to experience is in the inner circles of hell.

The view however is as captivating as the smell is foul - tens of people carrying skins, pieces of leather, stirring the contents of different colored vats, scraping fur... and tourists doing their best to take photos with one hand and keep the precious green stalk under their nose with the other.

Our guide explained how things work - first the raw skins are soaked in urine to soften them, then excess fur and bits are removed, then the pieces depending on their quality, thickness and source go through different treatments and finally are being dyed and dried before moving them to the workshop.

Then he took us to the shop where anything you can think of is made of leather - from slippers to jackets, wallets, purses, pants, shirts, ties and hats, if you want something made they can accommodate any request for the right price. As usual there is expectation to buy something, but as we had no such intention and wanted to save time we just gave our guide a small tip, which was accepted well - no commission from sale, but no wasting of time with us either.

Marinid Tombs

On a hill outside the medina, close to Borj Nord are some ruins called Marinid Tombs. Why? Not based on solid evidence for sure. The two remaining mausoleums have some inscriptions still visible, but they do not contain information about who was buried there. The "Marinid" part in the name comes from the assumption that these are the final resting places for members of the Marinid dynasty, rulers of the region during the time historians believe the tombs were built. In support of this theory is the nearby cemetery and the assumption that members of the royal family have been honored with the most impressive mausoleums in the area.

Whatever the truth, a visit to the Marinid Tombs is a rewarding experience, as in addition to visiting the interesting ruins one gets a chance to take a look at the nearby cemetery and caves, more on that in our post "Getting lost in Fes". Also the hill offers beautiful views of the city and is a great sunset spot.

The Golden Gates of The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Fes or the Dar el-Makhzen is closed to the public, but the gates are a major photo spot - beautiful and shiny, actually covered in brass, surrounded by carved cedar wood and colorful tile work. Go as early as possible to avoid waiting for a chance to make a great photo, or be patient - the gates attract crowds of tourists every day. The main gate is largest and most popular, but check out the smaller ones on the sides - there are less people there and they are as beautiful as the main attraction.

Date Visited

October 2018

Africa

How to enjoy Morocco - 13 things to know before you go

How to enjoy Morocco - 13 things to know before you go

Scammers

Taking pictures

Driving in Morocco

Be prepared health wise

Food and drinks

Hot water and heating? Maybe...

Overpriced attractions

Cats

What to wear in Morocco

Pickpockets

Haggle

Mosques - noise

Mosques - no entry for non-Muslims

Destinations

Tags

Comments

Getting lost in Fes and finding awesome places

Getting lost in Fes and finding awesome places

The medina districts

Cheez Alaoui Tannery

Markets and souvenir shops

Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani

Tiny tea shops

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque

Water fountains

Architecture

Ras el hanout shop

Bab Guissa Cemetery

Cave dwellings

Destinations

Tags

Comments

Top 10 things to see in Fes

Top 10 things to see in Fes

The Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud, Bab Bou Jeloud)

Zaouia De Moulay Idriss II

Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts

Medersa El Bouanania (Bou Inania Madrasa)

Place Rcif

Al Quaraouiyine Library

Borj Nord (Museum of Arms)

Chouara Tannery

Marinid Tombs

The Golden Gates of The Royal Palace

Destinations

Tags

Comments