Hanging on to past traditions, Fes remains a medieval city and 2/5ths of its population still live in the medina city of Fes El Bali. It is regarded as one of Islams' holiest cities

The Djemaa El Kairaouine is one of the oldest universities in the world and the centrepiece to Fes' 365 mosques and Moroccan religious life

View from the hotel rooftop

Jewish houses in the Mellah

Tanneries - Since the 16th century there has been little change in the methodology for producing leather. A smelly but highly recommended spectacle

The old and the new, a Merenid ruin and the Hotel Les Merenides in the background

Approaching the Merenid tombs, thought to contain the citys original foundations

Ceremonial gateway to the Royal Palace, leading to a vast complex of royal structures, out of bounds except to official guests

The central courtyard of the Kairaouine mosque known as the sahn.

(i) Bab Boujeloud - hive of activity and main entrance to Fes El Bali, (ii) common stucco water structure, (iii) inside the Kairaouine mosque from the roof of the Medersa El Attarin (iv) medersa

20 mins from Bab Boujeloud the Merenid tombs provide the best viewpoint of the city