Zawiya de Moulay Idriss II (Shrine of Moulay Idriss II), Fes
Just south of the busy Al-Attarine Souk lies the Shrine of Moulay Idriss, a holy hotspot that's been casting its spiritual shadow over Fes for five centuries. Rebuilt in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail, it stands as his one and only act of piety in the city鈥攓uite the grand gesture, wouldn't you say?
Now, if you stroll down Derb Bab Moulay Ismail, which starts from the southeast corner of Nejjarine Square, you'll spot a wooden bar. That's where the shrine's sanctuary zone kicks off. Back in the day, before the French came and took over in 1911, that bar was the cut-off point for Christians, Jews 鈥� and, yes, mules as well. If you were Muslim and dared to step past it, you basically had the right to claim asylum from prosecution or apprehension. But times change, and nowadays non-Muslims can at least gawk at the outside of the 鈥榸aouia鈥�. Peek through discreetly, and you might just catch a glimpse of the saint's final resting place.
Slide under that wooden bar like you're in a spy movie and make your way up Derb Bab Moulay Ismail. Prepare for sensory overload as stalls hawking everything from silverware to nougat assault your senses. Keep your eyes peeled for the women's entrance鈥攊t's your window into the inner sanctum. Looking in from the doorway, the 15th-century shrine of Moulay Idriss is quite discernible within the distant chamber, amid an ambiance redolent of fervent devotion.
A noteworthy peculiarity, characteristic of several 鈥榸aouias鈥� yet seldom observable externally, are the myriad European clocks, bestowed as prestigious gifts and held in high esteem during the 19th century, having been imported from Manchester by prominent Fassi merchant clans. Who knew keeping time could be so cosmopolitan?
Now, if you stroll down Derb Bab Moulay Ismail, which starts from the southeast corner of Nejjarine Square, you'll spot a wooden bar. That's where the shrine's sanctuary zone kicks off. Back in the day, before the French came and took over in 1911, that bar was the cut-off point for Christians, Jews 鈥� and, yes, mules as well. If you were Muslim and dared to step past it, you basically had the right to claim asylum from prosecution or apprehension. But times change, and nowadays non-Muslims can at least gawk at the outside of the 鈥榸aouia鈥�. Peek through discreetly, and you might just catch a glimpse of the saint's final resting place.
Slide under that wooden bar like you're in a spy movie and make your way up Derb Bab Moulay Ismail. Prepare for sensory overload as stalls hawking everything from silverware to nougat assault your senses. Keep your eyes peeled for the women's entrance鈥攊t's your window into the inner sanctum. Looking in from the doorway, the 15th-century shrine of Moulay Idriss is quite discernible within the distant chamber, amid an ambiance redolent of fervent devotion.
A noteworthy peculiarity, characteristic of several 鈥榸aouias鈥� yet seldom observable externally, are the myriad European clocks, bestowed as prestigious gifts and held in high esteem during the 19th century, having been imported from Manchester by prominent Fassi merchant clans. Who knew keeping time could be so cosmopolitan?
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.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Zawiya de Moulay Idriss II (Shrine of Moulay Idriss II) on Map
Sight Name: Zawiya de Moulay Idriss II (Shrine of Moulay Idriss II)
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 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
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