Best Morocco Tours: Fez, Islamic Art and Architecture

Photo: Fez at twilight. Morocco.

Fez, also known as Fes, has a rich history of Islamic art and architecture. This amazing city is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which was founded in the 9th century. This university is evidence of the city’s importance in Islamic scholarship and the arts and it´s attracting scholars from all over the world.

Among the most impressive tourist points you can see in Fez, we mention the Glaoui Palace and the Royal Palace. The Glaoui Palace is a 19th-century palace built for the Glaoui family and it is known for its beautiful gardens and intricate tilework. The Royal Palace is an impressive example of Islamic architecture in Fez. It was built in the 14th century and is still used by the Moroccan royal family today.

The medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is home to some of the oldest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. This makes it one of the main points of attraction for many tourists that get here.

The medina’s narrow streets, alleys, and buildings boast intricate tilework and stucco carvings, with the Al-Attarine Madrasa, built in the 14th century, being an outstanding example. This madrasa features exquisite tilework and stucco carvings that represent the Islamic art in its full glory.

Another impressive building in the medina is the Dar Batha Museum. This museum was once a palace and is now home to a collection of traditional Moroccan art and artifacts.

If you are keen to architecture, then the Islamic style will blow up your mind. The Islamic architecture has its own style that has evolved in regions where Islam has been the dominant religion and it´s very different from other types of architecture.

One of its most recognizable elements is the use of the horseshoe arch. This style of arch is made up of two curved sections that meet at a point at the top, resembling the shape of a horseshoe.

Another key feature of Islamic architecture is the use of intricate geometric patterns. These patterns are created using tiles, which are cut into precise shapes and arranged in designs. They can be found on walls, floors, and ceilings, and are a common feature of many Islamic buildings.

Besides, the Islamic architecture places great emphasis on the use of calligraphy, which is used to adorn buildings with verses from the Quran or other Islamic texts, or the use of domes, minarets, and courtyards.

When getting to Fes, one of the things that will surely draw your attention is the Islamic architectural style because of its geometric patterns and arabesques. This style can be seen in numerous buildings in the city, including mosques and madrasas.

One of the most beautiful examples of this architecture is the Al-Attarine Madrasa. This madrasa was built in the 14th century and is known for its intricate tilework and stucco carvings. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Moroccan Islamic architecture.

Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, is a proof of the rich Islamic architectural style. Here you can appreciate the Islamic principles of harmony, balance, and symmetry. The art and architecture have been preserved very well here over the centuries, and they continue to inspire and influence artists and scholars around the world.

The art is evident in different aspects of the city, including pottery, textiles, and architecture. One of the most prominent examples of Islamic art in Fez is the Al-Attarine Madrasa’s wooden door. The door is intricately carved with geometric patterns and calligraphy, and it shows the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Besides, Fez is famous for its blue pottery, which features intricate designs and patterns. The pottery has been passed down through generations of artisans and you can get some pottery souvenirs from the city’s markets.

We know that we have awaken your curiosity so far about the fabulous art and architecture in Morocco and Fez, so let´s see some of the most important architectural pieces you can see in Fes.

Inside Fes el Bali (which is the older part of Fez) you can find the Bou Inania Madrasa, known for its beautiful tilework and stucco carvings. This madrasa has a courtyard with a central pool, surrounded by a gallery of rooms for students. The walls are adorned with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and geometric patterns.

Another masterpiece is the Al-Attarine Madrasa which is near the Bou Inania Madrasa and it has a central courtyard with a marble pool, and is decorated with tilework and calligraphy.

Another good example of Islamic architecture in Fez is the Bab Boujloud gate. This gate was built in the 13th century and it is one of the main entrances to the medina of Fez and considered one of the most beautiful gates in the world. It has some striking blue and green tiles that will surely amaze you.

Any of these points we mentioned worth a visit as they will amaze you with their beauty, magic, symmetry, history…