Bab Boujloud Fes
The iconic Blue Gate of Fes, a stunning architectural marvel and the vibrant entrance to the ancient medina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect light
Bab Boujloud Fes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic Blue Gate of Fes, a stunning architectural marvel and the vibrant entrance to the ancient medina.
"Beautiful gate that welcomes you into the wonderful old city."
📸 Capture the Blue & Green
Visit early or late for the best light on the iconic blue and green tiles.
☕ Sip Mint Tea with a View
Enjoy a traditional mint tea from a rooftop cafe overlooking the gate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Blue Gate
Main Entrance to Fes el-Bali
Marvel at the intricate blue zellij tilework, a symbol of Fez's famed pottery. A stunning visual transition into the ancient medina.
Green Tiles of Islam
Interior side of the gate
The interior side features green tiles, representing Islam, contrasting with the exterior's vibrant blue.
Rooftop Sunset Views
Cafes and restaurants surrounding the gate
Enjoy mint tea and local snacks from a rooftop terrace while watching the sunset over the bustling square.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Medina
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Blue & Green
Visit early or late for the best light on the iconic blue and green tiles.
☕ Sip Mint Tea with a View
Enjoy a traditional mint tea from a rooftop cafe overlooking the gate.
🧭 Don't Get Lost!
The Medina is a maze; look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends.
💰 Watch for Hidden Fees
Be aware of restaurants adding unsolicited tips to bills.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Blue & Green
Visit early or late for the best light on the iconic blue and green tiles.
☕ Sip Mint Tea with a View
Enjoy a traditional mint tea from a rooftop cafe overlooking the gate.
🧭 Don't Get Lost!
The Medina is a maze; look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends.
💰 Watch for Hidden Fees
Be aware of restaurants adding unsolicited tips to bills.
🚶♀️ Embrace the Bustle
The area is lively with vendors and locals; be prepared for friendly persistence.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bab Boujloud is widely praised as a stunning and iconic gateway to the historic Fes Medina, captivating visitors with its intricate blue and green tilework. Many enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, rooftop views, and the immersive experience of the ancient city. However, some visitors note issues with persistent vendors and unsolicited charges at some restaurants.
"Bab Boujloud (also spelled Bab Boujeloud or Bab Boujloud) is a historic and iconic city gate in Fez (Fès), Morocco, serving as the main entrance to Fes el-Bali, the city’s ancient medina and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Historical Background
Construction: Built in 1913 during the French colonial administration, it replaced a simpler 12th-century gate. The original gate, designed with defensive angles to hinder invaders, remains visible but closed today.
Name Origi: The name "Boujloud" is derived from a corruption of Abu al-Junud ("Father of the Troops"), referencing a nearby military
2. Architectural Features
Design: A triple-arched gate in Moorish-Mauresque style, featuring intricate zellij tilework(geometric mosaics).
- Exteriorm: Blue tiles, symbolizing Fez’s famed cobalt-blue pottery.
- Interior: Green tiles, representing Islam.
- Arches: Three horseshoe arches, a hallmark of Islamic architecture, with the central arch accommodating pedestrians and vehicles.
3. Cultural and Practical Significance
- Gateway to the Medina: Marks the transition into Fes el-Bali’s labyrinthine streets, souks, and historic landmarks like the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine Mosque.
- Daily Life Hub: Surrounding cafes and restaurants (e.g., rooftop terraces) offer views of bustling activity—donkeys, vendors, and tourists mingling in the car-free zone.
4. Unique Details
- Locking Mechanism: The French-designed gate locks from the outside, a reversal of traditional defensive gates, reflecting colonial control over medina access at night.
- Minaret Views: From outside the gate, the arches frame minarets of the Sidi Lazzaz Mosque (topped by stork nests) and the Bou Inania Madrasa.
5. Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for photography and avoiding crowds.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the Souk el Attarine (spice market) and Dar Batha Museum for traditional crafts.
Bab Boujloud is not just a monument but a living symbol of Fez’s blend of history, artistry, and daily vitality. Its dual-colored tiles and strategic role make it a must-see for travelers entering Morocco’s medieval heart."
Mana Salem
"Beautiful gate that welcomes you into the wonderful old city."
Meryam
"This is one of the famous gates in Fes Medina. I notice that tour vans pick tourists from this spot. There’s a generous park directly opposite the gate where you can sit to enjoy the sunshine. The road infront of the gate can be quite chaotic and you need to be extra careful when crossing. Not a disability-friendly location"
Stephen Anyan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bab Boujloud is the main entrance to the Fes el-Bali medina. If you're in Fes, you can take a petit taxi to the edge of the medina, and it's a short walk from there. Many tours also start or end here.
No, the area directly around Bab Boujloud and within the Fes el-Bali medina is a car-free zone. You'll need to park outside the medina and walk.
From the Fes train station, take a petit taxi directly to Bab Boujloud. The ride is relatively short and affordable.
Petit taxis are the most convenient public transport option to get close to Bab Boujloud. Buses may drop you off further away from the medina entrance.
Yes, Bab Boujloud is a very prominent landmark and the primary gateway to the Fes medina, making it easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bab Boujloud is a public city gate and an entrance to the medina, so there is no ticket required to pass through it.
Bab Boujloud is always accessible as it's a city gate. However, the surrounding shops and cafes have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to the Fes Medina itself. You can freely explore the streets and souks.
Yes, Bab Boujloud is accessible at night and is beautifully illuminated, offering a different, magical perspective.
Yes, many guided tours of the Fes Medina begin at Bab Boujloud, as it's a central and iconic starting point.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the gate's architecture, explore the bustling medina, enjoy mint tea at rooftop cafes, and shop in the surrounding souks.
It can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist hours. Visiting early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
The best spots are directly in front of the gate to capture both the blue and green sides, and from rooftop cafes for a wider view.
The area around Bab Boujloud and the medina is generally not disability-friendly due to uneven cobblestones and narrow passages.
The blue tiles on the exterior symbolize Fez's famed cobalt-blue pottery, while the green tiles on the interior represent Islam.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding Bab Boujloud, many with rooftop terraces offering views of the gate and medina.
Try sfinge (Moroccan doughnuts), tagine, couscous, and of course, traditional mint tea.
Yes, many restaurants and cafes around the square offer excellent views, especially from their rooftop seating.
Sfinge is a popular Moroccan street food, often called a Moroccan doughnut, made from fried dough.
Some travelers have reported restaurants adding unsolicited tips to bills. It's advisable to check your receipt carefully.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and crowds. Sunset is particularly beautiful.
The intricate blue and green zellij tilework, the triple horseshoe arches, and the views from surrounding rooftops are highly photogenic.
Yes, Bab Boujloud is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for evening photography.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful when photographing people.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the gate, and a standard zoom is versatile. A tripod can be helpful for low-light evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for uneven terrain, so a sturdy stroller or carrier might be more practical than a standard one. The rooftop cafes offer a great spot for a break with a view, and trying local treats like sfinge can be a fun culinary experience for kids.
While the medina is generally welcoming, be aware that vendors can be persistent, so managing interactions with children in tow is key. Overall, it's a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to a rich cultural heritage in a dynamic setting.💰 Budget Travelers
Consider walking as much as possible within the medina to save on taxi fares. While guided tours can be informative, they add to the cost. If you're comfortable navigating independently, you can explore the medina at your own pace. Look for affordable souvenirs in the less touristy sections of the souks.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to capture the best colors and avoid harsh shadows. The golden hour before sunset is particularly magical, and the gate is beautifully illuminated at night. Beyond the gate itself, the surrounding medina offers endless photographic opportunities: bustling souks, intricate doorways, local artisans at work, and the daily life unfolding in the narrow alleys.
Don't forget to capture the vibrant street food scene, like the sfinge vendors. Remember to be respectful when photographing people and ask for permission when appropriate.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Bab Boujloud
The exterior of the gate is adorned with vibrant blue tiles, a direct homage to Fez's renowned cobalt-blue pottery. In contrast, the interior side of the gate is decorated with green tiles, symbolizing Islam. This dual-colored design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also carries significant cultural and religious meaning. The central arch is the largest, designed to accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles, though the medina itself is largely car-free.
+1Interestingly, the French-designed gate features a locking mechanism that locks from the outside, a reversal of traditional defensive gates. This detail subtly reflects the colonial administration's control over access to the medina at night. From outside the gate, the arches also offer picturesque views framing the minarets of the Sidi Lazzaz Mosque, often topped with stork nests, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, adding to its visual appeal.
Experiencing the Fes Medina from Bab Boujloud
As you venture into the medina, you'll encounter a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. The souks are filled with everything from spices and leather goods to textiles and traditional crafts. It's easy to get lost in the maze, but that's part of the adventure. Look for hexagonal street signs, as these indicate dead ends, helping you navigate the complex network.
For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting the nearby Jnane Sbil gardens, a peaceful escape from the medina's intensity, located just next to Bab Boujloud.
Many travelers recommend enjoying a glass of mint tea from one of the rooftop terraces surrounding the gate, especially during sunset, to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy panoramic views of the bustling square and the medina beyond. +1Local Flavors and Dining Near Bab Boujloud
+1When visiting, be sure to try local specialties like sfinge, a delicious Moroccan doughnut often enjoyed with mint tea, as highlighted by many visitors.
Other must-try dishes include flavorful tagines and couscous, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The proximity to the souks means you're never far from the freshest spices and produce, contributing to the rich flavors of the local food. While the food and atmosphere are generally praised, travelers should be mindful of potential dining pitfalls. Some reviews mention instances where restaurants have added unsolicited tips to the bill, which can be a surprise. It's always a good practice to review your receipt carefully.
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