Imperial Cities, Middle Atlas & the East - Morocco - page 606

Top Sights

1 Dar el-Makhzen B3

2 Ibn Danan Synagogue B3

3 Jewish Cemetery & Habarim Synagogue B3

Sights

4 Mellah C3

5 Rue des Mérinides B3

Sleeping

6 Hotel Sahrai C4

Eating

7 Café Restaurant La Noria C2

8 Kaï Taï A6

9 MB Restaurant Lounge A6

Drinking & Nightlife

MB (see 9)

10 Mezzanine C2

Sights

The Medina (Fès el-Bali)

Travelling from the ville nouvelle to Fès el-Bali is like stepping back in time. The essen-
tial footprint of the medina hasn't changed in nearly a millennium, as the surrounding hills
have constrained expansion - the last big growth of the traditional medina was in the 13th
century with the construction of Fès el-Jdid. Today, around 156,000 Fassis still call this
maze of twisting alleys, blind turns and hidden souqs home, while tourists call it one of
the most mind-boggling places they'll visit in Morocco.
Bab Bou Jeloud in the west is the main entrance to the old city, with two main streets
descending into the medina's heart. On your left as you enter is Talaa Kebira (Big Slope),