The Mellah

The oldest Jewish quarter in Morocco, established in 1438 when Sultan Abu Said Uthman II moved the Jewish community to this location near the royal palace. At its height, 250,000 Jews lived in Fes; today, fewer than 200 remain. The architecture differs from the rest of the medina — balconies, windows facing the street, buildings that acknowledge the outside world. The Ibn Danan Synagogue, recently restored, shows the distinctive Moroccan Jewish style: whitewashed walls, Star of David motifs, a women's gallery above. The Jewish cemetery, Cimetière Juif, climbs the hillside outside the walls. Thousands of whitewashed tombs face Jerusalem. Some families still return to visit ancestors. The guardian will show you around for a small tip. Best time: Morning Allow: 1-2 hours Combine with: Royal Palace gates and Dar Batha