Fez, a city over 1,200 years old, holds a unique place in history and architecture, earning the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Fez is the spiritual capital of Morocco. Also known as the "Athens of Africa" and the "Mecca of the West". Fez is the oldest of Morocco's four imperial capitals, having served as the country's political centre as recently as the early 20th century.

Its origins date back to the late 1700s and the Idrīsid dynasty. Upon Idrīs I's arrival in the region, he commenced construction on the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali (old Medina). When he died, his son built a second city, the Fes el-Jdid (new Medina), on the opposite bank of the Wadi Fes River. The two settlements functioned separately until the 11th century when the Almoravid empire unified them to create one sprawling hub of Islamic learning. The city's third part, the Ville Nouvelle (new town) was built during the French occupation of Morocco.

Places that I found to be interesting included;

The Medina of Fez, believed to be the largest pedestrian zone in the world, is an indecipherable maze of more than 9,000 mostly nameless alleys. Today, UNESCO has designated the entire Medina of Fez as a world monument. The main street is the Talaa Kbira, which runs from Bab Boujeloud to the Kairouine mosque in the heart of the Medina.

Bab Bou Jeloud is the horseshoe arch of Fes el-Bali's great western gateway. The Bab Bou Jeloud dates to 1913 from the time of the French Protectorate and is in a neo-Moorish style known as Mauresque.

Medersa Bou Inania is a truly wonderful experience; not only because it is an architectural masterpiece, but it is not often that a religious building that is still in use is open to the public. It forms part of the Kairaounie University that is located in Fez and was founded by Sultan Abou el Hassan in the year 1350. His son, Sultan Bou Inan completed the construction of Medersa Bou Inania by 1357. It is not easy to define which part of Medersa Bou Inania is the most magnificent, as every inch of the building seems to have been decorated in fine detail. Originally built to house theology students, the residential quarters can still be viewed on the top floor. Through the small windows of these quarters visitors will be able to look out over the courtyard. The most noticeable feature of the Medersa in Fez is the green-tile tower. In fact, the entire building's roof is covered with green tiles and the most breathtaking examples of craftsmanship are seen in the carved cedar. Every inch has been carved by hand and by looking at the intricately detailed carvings it is safe to say that long, laborious hours of work were done to complete the interior. Every room of the Medersa has beautifully sculpted ceilings and carved cedar beams as well as elegant marble floors. All the walls have been covered by handcrafted stuccos and even the spaces between columns have been decorated in this magnificently delicate art form. Geometrical motifs and designs and calligraphy (Arabic cursive) can also be seen. In the courtyard the ablution fountain still runs; its water supply comes directly from the Fez River. It is also home to the most elegant minaret in the city and the imam is still used for prayers.

The Al-Attarine Madrasa is near the Al-Qarawiyyin. It was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said (r. 1310-1331) in 1323-5. The madrasa takes its name from the Souk el-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.

Chouara Tannery. The largest of the city's three tanneries that has been going about its business in almost the same way for more than 800 years. Skins are cured using archaic ingredients (including cow urine, quicklime, and pigeon feces) and laid out to dry in the sunshine. You can only imagine the smell and it is little wonder why staff give you a handful of mint leaves as you enter!

al- Qarawiyyin Mosque. Today, as a working mosque, it is one of Morocco's largest centers of worship with a prayer hall that can hold 20,000. Previously it was the University of al-Qarawiyyin. This is the oldest university in the world and was founded in 859. The University is still highly regarded in the Muslim world. The libraries (the world's oldest continuously-operating library) have several extremely valuable documents dating from c. 780 A.D. including the Al-Muwatta of Malik written on gazelle parchment. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University symbolize Fez's rich intellectual legacy and was founded by a woman.

Fez Jewish Quarter. Built in 1438, every Jewish quarter in Morocco is called a mellah. Historical records suggest that the Fez Mellah, similar to a European ghetto, was built to safeguard the city's growing Jewish population by separating the community from the rest of the city's residents in return for loyalty to the sultan. This rather handsome neighborhood with its enclosed hanging balconies reveals fascinating history to those willing to look. You'll also find the best goldsmiths and jewelers in Fes here.

The Royal Palace or Dar al-Makhzen. This functioning royal palace in the Fes Jdid quarter is on more than 80 hectares and has been here since the 13th century and is the palace of the King of Morocco. While you cannot go inside, see the famous golden Royal Palace doors. Admire its seven imposing front gates, surrounded by fine tilework and carved cedar wood.