Fez, which is the second largest city of Morocco, was the capital until 1925, and is now the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. Funded by Idris I in 789, this great city of high Islamic civilization has two old medinas, the larger of which is Fes el Bali (Old Fez). It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the medina transports of goods is provided by donkeys, mules and handcarts. This offers an assault on the senses, a warren of narrow lanes and covered bazaars fit to bursting with aromatic food stands, craft workshops, mosques and an endless parade of people. 

The word 'Fez' means 'Pickaxe' in arabic, which Idriss I used when he created the lines of the city. One noticable thing was that the pickaxe was made from silver and gold. After Fez got its official name, areas around Fez got their names based on this famous city. The Middle Atlas mountains near the city is called the Fazaz, and a small town west from Meknes is called Ait Fazzaz.

The Jewish quarter of Fez, the Mellah was built in 1438, near the royal residence in Fez Jdid. The Mellah at first consisted of Jews from Fez el Bali and soon saw the arrival of Berber Jews from the Atlas range and Jewish immigrants from Al-Andalus.

Despite its traditional character, there is a modern section: the Ville Nouvelle or "New City". Today it is a bustling commer

cial center.

Near the Atlas Mountains, Fez has a Mediterranean climate with a strong continental influence, shifting from cold and rain in the winter to dry and hot days in the summer months between June and September. 

Fez is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The most important monuments in the city are:

• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Al-Attarine Madrasa
• University of Al-Karaouine
• Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
• Dar al-Magana
• Aben Danan Synagogue