Four seasons without a car’ autumn in Moroccan Medina

CAIRO – 2 August 2017: Another world heritage site in the series ‘Four seasons without the car’ is medina in the city of Fezz situated in North-central part of Morocco. Fezz has been described as ‘The Athens of Africa.’ Former capital of Morocco for over half millennia holds its part in the spiritual and cultural history of Morocco. The city is a home to the oldest university in the world – University of Karawiyyin.



Rooftops of Fez city, Morocco – Monika Sleszynska

Moroccan culture is a celebration of color and so is the Medina of Fez. The application of color is omnipresent in art, architectural buildings, decorative items, dishes, food and clothes. The streets of local markets called ‘souks’ are filled with stands offering patterned rugs, leather goods, pottery, argan oil and spices.


Moroccan lamps – Cortesy of I.Barrios & J.Ligero via Commons Wikimedia

Anyone who visits the northern African country can be enchanted with the shapes and designs of Moroccan lamps. Whether at the bazaars, hotels or restaurants, the lamps give special ambient. Buying souvenirs in Morocco can be seen as a performance and a ritual, especially when choosing a carpet. You can expect to be warmly invited by the vendors to share a fresh mint tea, typical Moroccan hot drink.


Moroccan Tagines – Courtes of Jafri Ali via Commons Wikimedia

Moroccan food is a kaleidoscope of flavors with rich spice and color. You will find variety of tagines (or tajines), spiced meat and vegetable dishes cooked in a specifically shaped tagine pots, usually served with flavored couscous.


Spices at the Moroccan “souk” – Monika Sleszynska

Cooking in tagine dishes has a long tradition. It has been mentioned in a written form as early as 9th century in the famous story of ‘One Thousand and One Nights,’ a collection of Middle Eastern tales. The country is abundant in exotic fruit. You will find them served fresh and dry, in form of jams and deserts.


Fezz Medina at night – Courtesy of Commons Wikimedia/Michal Osmenda

Walking the streets of Medina, you will hear various layers of sound orchestrated into lively background. The voices of vendors will always stand out the ‘souks’ from radios airing Arab-Andalusian music so often over layered with the daily calls to prayer pouring from the mosques and topped upped with the sounds of birds. The roof tops of ancient maze are home and a stop over to the many birds like storks, blackbirds and pigeons.


Zaouia Moulay Idriss II in Fez, Morocco – Courtesy of Mr. Granger via Commons Wikimedia

The old city of Fez attracts many non- Moroccan visitors setting second homes in restored historical buildings originating as far as IX century. You will find the feel of ancient life in the meandering streets, words’ distinctive labyrinth and tourist attraction. The choice of properties offers variety from traditional houses called ‘riads’ and luxurious suits to palaces. It is one the most attractive Arabic old towns.


The walld old part of town called Fes el Bali – Monika Sleszynska

The oldest walled part of Fez, called Fez el Bali and is a listed UNESCO heritage site. Medina of Fez is the biggest medieval city in the world, which remained almost unchanged since then. You can expect to feel timeless.

September to November is the longest most advantageous time to visit. The climate is mild and as good as in the months of March and April .