Al-Attarine Madrasa (School of the Perfumers), Fes (must see)
Al-Attarine stands out among the city's medieval colleges for its remarkable abundance and diversity of patterning. Still, despite the striking richness of its 鈥榸ellij鈥�, woodwork, and stucco, the decoration maintains an air of grace, ensuring the building's elegant proportions are never overwhelmed. Completed in 1325, the madrasa is one of the earliest in Fes. Its overall lightness is achieved through the clever use of pairs of symmetrical arches to connect the marble pillars to a single weight-bearing lintel.
On your way in, take a moment to admire the entrance hall, which boasts perhaps the most intricate 鈥榸ellij鈥� decoration in the city. Its circular design, featuring an interlace of pentagons and five-pointed stars, exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and philosophical depth employed by the artisans. Scholars have noted that the patterns radiate from a single point, symbolizing the belief in the oneness of God, manifested as the center of every form or being.
The first floor houses cells for over sixty students, which served as an annex to the Kairaouine University until the 1950s. If you're fortunate enough to gain access (which can be sporadic), the rooftop offers one of the most complete views of the Kairaouine Mosque imaginable.
On your way in, take a moment to admire the entrance hall, which boasts perhaps the most intricate 鈥榸ellij鈥� decoration in the city. Its circular design, featuring an interlace of pentagons and five-pointed stars, exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and philosophical depth employed by the artisans. Scholars have noted that the patterns radiate from a single point, symbolizing the belief in the oneness of God, manifested as the center of every form or being.
The first floor houses cells for over sixty students, which served as an annex to the Kairaouine University until the 1950s. If you're fortunate enough to gain access (which can be sporadic), the rooftop offers one of the most complete views of the Kairaouine Mosque imaginable.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Al-Attarine Madrasa (School of the Perfumers) on Map
Sight Name: Al-Attarine Madrasa (School of the Perfumers)
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fes, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Fes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fes New Town Walking Tour
Created by the French in the early 20th century, Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a relatively modern central district of Fez. A far cry from the sensory overload provided by the old Medina, this neighborhood was originally designed to accommodate foreigners and affluent Moroccans only.
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Fes Old Town Walking Tour
North and west of the fabled Atlas Mountains of North Africa is the ancient city of Fes, or Fez. It is centered on the Fes River.
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles