Can I go inside the Royal Palace in Fes?

No, the Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen is an active residence of the King of Morocco and is closed to the public. Visitors are welcome to admire and photograph the magnificent golden brass doors and the exterior architecture from the Méchouar.

What is the best walking tour in Fes for history lovers?

For history lovers, a walking route through Fes el Jdid is essential as it focuses on the Marinid dynasty's 13th-century expansion. This area showcases the transition from the medieval medina to an imperial administrative center.

Is Fes el Jdid safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Fes el Jdid is generally very safe and much easier to navigate than the older medina. Because it houses the Royal Palace, there is a significant security presence, which contributes to a safe environment for independent exploration.

What is the best time to visit the Royal Palace doors?

The best time is in the early morning, before 10:00 AM. The morning light hits the brass doors beautifully for photos, and you will avoid the large crowds and the midday heat of the open plaza.

Is the walking route through Fes el Jdid hilly?

No, this specific walking route is mostly flat. Unlike the steep slopes of Fes el Bali, Fes el Jdid was built on a more level plain, making it an easy walk for seniors or families with strollers.

Are there entrance fees for the stops on this walk?

Most stops on this route, including the palace doors and the historic gates, are free to view from the exterior. Jnan Sbil gardens are also free to enter, making this a very budget-friendly self-guided adventure.

Where can I find water and toilets in Fes el Jdid?

The best place for facilities is Jnan Sbil gardens, which has public restrooms. You can find several small shops and kiosks selling bottled water near the Bab Dekkakin gate and the entrance to the Jewish Quarter.

The Sultan's Path: Imperial Fes el Jdid | Walking Tour

About This Tour

Step back into the 13th century on a self-guided walk through Fes el Jdid, the 'New Fes' built by the Marinid sultans. While many visitors lose themselves in the ancient labyrinth of Fes el Bali, this neighborhood stroll offers a different perspective—one of wide ceremonial plazas, imposing fortifications, and royal grandeur. This walking route traces the footsteps of Moroccan royalty, beginning at the vast ceremonial grounds where the sultan once received his subjects and foreign dignitaries. Unlike the narrow alleys of the older medina, Fes el Jdid was designed as a seat of power, featuring monumental architecture and strategic military defenses. This walking tour Fes experience highlights the shift from the medieval city to an imperial capital. You will encounter the legendary golden doors of the Royal Palace, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan craftsmanship that honors centuries-old traditions. As you explore independently, the route leads through massive gates like Bab Dekkakin, which served as both a courthouse and a gateway between the royal and residential sectors. The journey concludes in the tranquil embrace of Jnan Sbil, the city's oldest public park, offering a peaceful respite from the urban energy. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those interested in the political history and royal architecture of Morocco, providing a clear, manageable path through some of the city's most iconic landmarks without the pressure of a group schedule.

Highlights

The iconic seven golden doors of the Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen

The massive medieval gateway of Bab Dekkakin

The historic Bab Makina Plaza, home to the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

The monumental Bab Sigma gate

A peaceful walk through the historic Jnan Sbil botanical gardens

Stunning examples of Marinid and Alawite architectural styles

Tour Stops (6)

Méchouar-Fès Jdid

Welcome to the Grand Méchouar, the heart of Fes el Jdid. Built in the 13th century by the Marinid dynasty, this vast open square was designed for imperial ceremonies, military parades, and official receptions. As you stand here, imagine the sultan appearing before his subjects. The architecture surrounding the square served as a buffer between the royal palace and the residential quarters of the city. The high walls and towers emphasize the defensive nature of this 'New Fes,' which was established to provide the ruling family with a secure and grand alternative to the crowded streets of the old medina.

Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen

Before you stand the seven legendary gates of the Royal Palace. While the palace itself remains an active residence for the King of Morocco and is closed to the public, these doors are a destination in themselves. Notice the intricate brass work, hand-carved cedar wood, and the vibrant zellige tilework. Each door is framed by marble columns and topped with delicate stucco. The number seven is significant in Islamic culture, and the symmetry here is meant to reflect the power and stability of the monarchy. This is one of the most photographed locations in Morocco, showcasing the peak of modern Moroccan craftsmanship.

Bab Dekkakin

This massive, fortress-like gate is Bab Dekkakin, also known as the 'Gate of the Benches.' Its name comes from the stone benches inside the gateway where judges once sat to settle disputes and hear legal cases. Built in 1276, it served as the main ceremonial entrance to the palace grounds. Look up at the crenelated top and the heavy stonework; this gate was designed to be easily defended. It connects the Old Méchouar with the New Méchouar, effectively acting as a checkpoint for anyone entering the inner sanctum of the Marinid capital.

Bab Makina Plaza

You are now in Bab Makina Plaza. The name 'Makina' refers to the 19th-century Italian-built arms factory that once stood nearby. This area has transformed from a military industrial site into a cultural hub. Today, it is most famous as the main stage for the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. The high, imposing walls create a natural amphitheater, and the backdrop of the illuminated gates at night is truly spectacular. It represents the layers of Fes's history—from Marinid defense to 19th-century modernization and contemporary global culture.

Bab Sigma

Bab Sigma is one of the northernmost gates of the Fes el Jdid fortifications. It was named after a 10th-century holy man, Sidi Bou Jida, but over time the name evolved. This gate played a crucial role in the city's water management and defense. From this vantage point, you can see how the walls of the city extend to protect the various quarters. The area around Bab Sigma was historically used for markets and as a gathering place for caravans arriving from the north, linking the imperial city with the wider Moroccan landscape.

Jnan Sbil

Finish your walk in Jnan Sbil, the oldest and most beautiful public park in Fes. Originally created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, these gardens were restored to their former glory in 2010. As you wander through the palm-lined paths, notice the 'noria' (water wheel) and the complex irrigation system that has fed these gardens for centuries. With over 3,000 plant species, it serves as a green lung for the city. It is the perfect place to sit by the central pond and reflect on the transition from the stone-walled plazas of the palace to this lush botanical paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the main sites of Fes el Jdid typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows for plenty of time to photograph the Royal Palace gates and enjoy a stroll through Jnan Sbil gardens.