Fez, (فاس) Morocco - part 1

Hello and welcome. I went to Morocco in September on a work trip for the second time this year. I had a weekend so jumped on a train to Fez. I had such a great time. Very beautiful Medina and lovely people. This is part one. I will post part two in a couple of weeks. Enjoy the photos!

Fes or Fez (Arabic: فاس‎, Moroccan Arabic [fɛs], Berber: Fas) is the third largest city of Morocco, with a population of approximately 1 million (2010)

The amazing blue skies are a characteristic of Moroccan beauty

Beautiful doorway

Bab Bou Jeloud, "The Blue Gate" of Fez

Detail

On the other side, the medina side, the gate is green!

Narrow alleyways

Gorgeous towers

Stunning mosaic

Incredible shops

Awesome alleycat

Shame about the advert!

The tannery. It has been in operation since the 11th century

The white stone vessels contain ammonia. The workers have to wear protective clothing

The other vessels contain the dye. The workers do not wear protective clothing. I was told the dye is completely natural, no chemicals are used, so it is not harmful to the skin

Life is tough for the medina donkeys

The Al-Attarine Madrasa

It was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said (1310-1331) in 1323

The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market

The charm of the alleyways of Fez

Local craft. Noisy and colouful square

Parked donkey

Moroccan cutie

Scene in a square

Ayumi-san and Sakiko-san. Fellow solo travellers I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with

The Royal Palace
General public are barred from entering the Palace, but it is still an impressive sight even from outside. The palace was built in the 17th century and it is situated right in the centre of Fès el Jdid. Part of it still serves as the residence of the King of Morocco when he visits this area

Sunset in Fez.....

lights up the towers.....

and the terraces so beautifully.
Do come back for part 2