Fez (Fes) is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Marrakech and has a population of just over 1 million.  It is the oldest city, established in 798 AD. Fez has three distinct parts, Fezsel Bali (the Medina or Old section), Fez-Jdid (the old Jewish quarter), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fez).

Fez is known as the “spiritual center” of Morocco, and the Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The University of Al-Karouine founded in 859 AD, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world and also houses the Karouine Mosque  Fes el Bali also houses one of the oldest (but non functioning) Madrassas or Islamic schools.  The university, mosque and madrassa are all known for their exquisite mosaics.

Without doubt, Fez el Bali was the quintessential Morocco with winding streets, passageways, narrow stairs leading to large open palaces - very mysterious and intriguing.  There are no cars, bicycles or motorcycles in this part of the city.  Only push carts and donkeys.  And when the donkeys came through, you had to press against the walls or get into a doorway to avoid being hit by the provisions they carried.