Fes

Geology: Fes is situated at the confluence of the Saïss Basin and the southern foothills of the Pre-Rif ridges, bisected by the Oued Fes within the larger Sebou hydrological basin. The regional geology comprises Miocene marine marls and lacustrine limestone plateaus overlain by thick Quaternary alluvial gravels and rich montmorillonite clay seams. The local Ain Nokbi grey-blue clays provide the exceptional fine mineral composition required for the world-renowned Fassi ceramic pottery and cobalt blue enamel tilework (zellij). Natural History & Hydrology: The historical growth of Fes was enabled by its sophisticated 10th-century water system (the canalized Oued Fes or Oued Bou Khrareb), which used natural gravitational slopes to feed more than a thousand public fountains, historic hammams, and artisan tanneries. The surrounding Saïss plain and Zalagh mountain slopes host fertile olive orchards, fig groves, and Mediterranean garrigue vegetation, sheltering native birds of prey, nightingales, and seasonal trans-Saharan avifauna.

• UNESCO World Heritage Fes el-Bali (World's Largest Car-Free Medina)
• 9th-Century University of al-Qarawiyyin (World's Oldest University)
• Historic 11th-Century Chouara Leather Tanning Pits
• Monumental Bab Bou Jeloud (The Famous "Blue Gate")
• 14th-Century Marinid Tombs & Hilltop Panoramic Citadel
• Intricate Bou Inania & Al-Attarine Madrasas with Carved Stucco