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Meknes

The Kairaouine Mosque, located in the heart of Fez, is one of the most significant and historic mosques in Morocco and the Islamic world. Founded in 859 AD, it is not only a place of worship but also home to the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. The mosque’s stunning architecture features grand courtyards, intricate tilework, and towering minarets that dominate the Fez skyline. While non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque itself, visitors can admire its majestic exterior and surrounding areas, including the tranquil and historically rich courtyard.

Meknes Tours & Excursions

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Fez - Morocco

Full-Day Trip Volubilis Moulay Idriss, and Meknes Group Of 8

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Day Trips
Guided Tours

€16
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Fez - Morocco

Cultural Day Trip meknes Volubilis in a Small Group OF 8

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Day Trips

€25
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Day Trip

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Adventures
City Cards
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Walking Tours

€40
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Fez - Morocco

From Fes: Meknes Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Day Trip

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Adventures
Day Trips
Guided Tours

€18
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Fez - Morocco

From Meknes: Day Trip to Chefchaouen

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City Cards
Day Trips
Walking Tours

€28
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Fez - Morocco

From Fes or Meknes: Rabat Sightseeing Private Day Trip

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City Cards
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Private Tours
Walking Tours

€25
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Fez - Morocco

3 Days Tour Around Fes/Fez With Hotel & Without

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Multi-Day Trips

€180
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Fez - Morocco

A Week Around Fez

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Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Other Experiences

€700
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: Chefchaouen Day Trip with Driver with Group Of 8

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Day Trips
Guided Tours

€32
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez : Memorable Day Trip to Chefchaouen the Blue City

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Day Trips
Other Experiences

€20
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Fez - Morocco

3 Days/2nights: Moroccan Sahara Expedition: Fez to Marrakech

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Multi-Day Trips

€220
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: 2-Day luxury Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Ride

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Multi-Day Trips

€109
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Fez - Morocco

Flavors of Fez: Market visit, and a hands-on cooking class

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Day Trips
Workshops

€50
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Fez - Morocco

Fez: 2 Day-1 Night Luxury Sahara Desert Trip to Fez/Marakech

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Adventures
Multi-Day Trips
Other Experiences

€115
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: 3-Day Desert Tour To Merzouga And Marrakech

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Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips

€240
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Fez - Morocco

Fez Medina Guided Tour

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Adventures
Day Trips
Guided Tours
Walking Tours

€11
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Fez - Morocco

Fes: Medina Ramparts Minivan Tour

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Adventures
City Cards
Day Trips
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Private Tours
Walking Tours

€6
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Fez - Morocco

From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger

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Adventures
City Cards
Entry Tickets
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Private Tours
Walking Tours

€60
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen

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City Cards
Day Trips
Walking Tours

€25
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Fez - Morocco

From Fez: Middle Atlas Ifran and Forest of Monkeys Day Trip

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Day Trips
Other Experiences

€25
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Fez - Morocco

From Fes To Marrakech : 3 days Tour Via The Desert Of Merzouga

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Adventures
Guided Tours
Multi-Day Trips
Other Experiences

€198
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The Basics

The Kairaouine Mosque is located near the heart of Fez’s medina, making it one of the city's central landmarks. As a mosque, it is primarily a place for prayer and religious study, but it also serves as a symbol of Fez’s role as a historic center of learning in the Muslim world. The mosque’s design includes features typical of traditional Moroccan architecture, such as carved wood, stucco, and zellij (mosaic) tiles. Adjacent to the mosque is the Al-Qarawiyyin University, which remains one of the most important intellectual centers in the Muslim world, especially in the fields of science, philosophy, and law.

Things to Know Before You Go

While the Kairaouine Mosque is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture, non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter the mosque’s prayer hall. However, the surrounding areas, such as the courtyard and the exterior of the mosque, can be explored. Be sure to dress modestly, as the mosque is a functioning religious site. Also, avoid visiting during prayer times, as the area can become quite crowded, especially on Fridays. If you’re keen to learn more, consider hiring a local guide who can share the history and significance of the mosque and the university.

How to Get There

The Kairaouine Mosque is situated in the heart of the medina, just a short walk from Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate), one of Fez’s main entry points. From the Blue Gate, you can easily navigate through the winding streets of the medina, asking locals for directions if needed, as the mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Fez. Alternatively, taxis are available for a quicker route, but the charm of Fez’s medina is best explored on foot, allowing you to experience the narrow alleys and vibrant marketplaces on the way to the mosque.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the Kairaouine Mosque is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the streets around the mosque are less crowded, and the light is ideal for photographs. Visiting in the cooler months, from March to May or September to November, is preferable, as the weather is more pleasant for walking through the medina. If you want to avoid larger crowds, try to visit during weekdays rather than weekends or local holidays. Keep in mind that prayer times can lead to brief closures of the surrounding areas, so plan accordingly.

Day Trips from Fez

A visit to the Kairaouine Mosque can easily be paired with a tour of the nearby attractions in the Fez medina. After admiring the mosque and learning about its significance, wander over to the nearby Al-Attarine Madrasa, a beautiful Islamic school known for its intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards. You can also explore the bustling souks (markets) nearby, where you can purchase everything from spices to traditional leather goods. If you’re interested in a longer day trip, consider visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis or the scenic town of Ifrane, both of which can be reached within a couple of hours by car from Fez.