Fez is best known to the world as the cultural centre of Morocco. It was founded in 789 by Idris I. Until 1925, Fez was the capital city of the country. Even today it remains the best-conserved city of the Arab world, and is an international destination.
The most attractive features of the city include its splendid architecture, and historical remains. Fez is divided into three zones. Among these, the most popular is the Fez el Bali Medina. The historical quarter and traditional houses make it an altogether interesting place for travellers. It is also one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones.
According to some historians, the Medina of Fez is among the best conserved historic towns of the Arab world.
Another prominent place in the city is the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in AD 859. It is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world today. Fez is known by different names across the world, popularly as the ‘Athens of Africa’.