Fes is the oldest city in Morocco, with many of its landmarks -- like the 16th century fortress Borj Nord -- dating back centuries.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Fes is the oldest city in Morocco, with many of its landmarks -- like the 16th century fortress Borj Nord -- dating back centuries.
Xurxo Lobato /Getty images
The oldest section of Fes is the walled settlement, or medina, of Fes El Bali.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
The oldest section of Fes is the walled settlement, or medina, of Fes El Bali.
CNN
Harking back to the 9th century, the medina comprises a twisted network of alleys and souks too narrow to allow for cars.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Harking back to the 9th century, the medina comprises a twisted network of alleys and souks too narrow to allow for cars.
Xurxo Lobato /Getty images
Though Fes El Bali is a UNESCO heritage site, it has fallen into disrepair over the centuries. About 4,000 buildings, including private homes, are in near ruin.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Though Fes El Bali is a UNESCO heritage site, it has fallen into disrepair over the centuries. About 4,000 buildings, including private homes, are in near ruin.
Xurxo Lobato/Getty Images
In Fes, there's no shortage of traditional artisans (at last count, the city boasted 40,000).
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
In Fes, there's no shortage of traditional artisans (at last count, the city boasted 40,000).
Xurxo Lobato /Getty images
Perhaps one of the most iconic sites is that of the city's tanneries, including the 11th century Chouara Tannery.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Perhaps one of the most iconic sites is that of the city's tanneries, including the 11th century Chouara Tannery.
Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Image
Artisans have been using the same methods to wash, tread and dye animal skins for thousands of years.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Artisans have been using the same methods to wash, tread and dye animal skins for thousands of years.
Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images
Fes is home to thousands of professionals dedicated to keeping the flame of traditional craftsmanship alive.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
Fes is home to thousands of professionals dedicated to keeping the flame of traditional craftsmanship alive.
Evans/Three Lions/Getty Images
To ensure traditional craftsmanship never disappears, an artisan school called Cfqma Fes Crafts opened five years ago just outside the medina walls.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
To ensure traditional craftsmanship never disappears, an artisan school called Cfqma Fes Crafts opened five years ago just outside the medina walls.
CNN
At Cfqma Fes Crafts, 150 master craftsman teach the next generation of artisans a range of 25 different crafts.
Inside Morocco's oldest city —
At Cfqma Fes Crafts, 150 master craftsman teach the next generation of artisans a range of 25 different crafts.
CNN