Bab al-Amer (Gate of Order), Fes
The beatufilly preserved Bab al-Amer stands as a testament to Fes's rich history, serving as the former entrance to Fes el-Jdid, the royal city established in 1276 by the Marinids. Originally built as a fortified administrative center, Fes el-Jdid was surrounded by double walls, with this gate marking the western entrance to the district.
The name "Bab al-Amer" translates to "Gate of Order," likely referencing the presence of barracks for the city guards nearby. Initially, the area housed the sultan's regiments of Syrian archers; however, by the late 16th century, the district underwent transformation, becoming the Jewish quarter (Mellah) of the city.
As part of the changes under the French Protectorate in 1912, significant alterations were made to the area surrounding Bab al-Amer. The French administration deemed the gate too narrow for modern traffic and demolished the nearby aqueduct and portions of the surrounding wall to construct a main road. Additionally, they created Place du Commerce (now Place des Alaouites) on the site of the former Jewish cemetery to the northwest, transforming the landscape of the area.
The name "Bab al-Amer" translates to "Gate of Order," likely referencing the presence of barracks for the city guards nearby. Initially, the area housed the sultan's regiments of Syrian archers; however, by the late 16th century, the district underwent transformation, becoming the Jewish quarter (Mellah) of the city.
As part of the changes under the French Protectorate in 1912, significant alterations were made to the area surrounding Bab al-Amer. The French administration deemed the gate too narrow for modern traffic and demolished the nearby aqueduct and portions of the surrounding wall to construct a main road. Additionally, they created Place du Commerce (now Place des Alaouites) on the site of the former Jewish cemetery to the northwest, transforming the landscape of the area.
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Bab al-Amer (Gate of Order) on Map
Sight Name: Bab al-Amer (Gate of Order)
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Fes, Morocco (See walking tours in Fes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Fes, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Fes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fes Old Town Walking Tour
North and west of the fabled Atlas Mountains of North Africa is the ancient city of Fes, or Fez. It is centered on the Fes River.
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
In the year 789 Idris I founded the city and the Idrisid dynasty. The city was two settlements on either side of the river. In the 11th century, Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin established Almoravid rule. He united the settlements into Fes el-Bali. The Almoravids were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Fes New Town Walking Tour
Created by the French in the early 20th century, Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a relatively modern central district of Fez. A far cry from the sensory overload provided by the old Medina, this neighborhood was originally designed to accommodate foreigners and affluent Moroccans only.
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Still, Fez's Ville Nouvelle is as much 'real' Morocco as any donkey-packed lane in the old city.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles