Hello !
Today, I'd like to show you the famous Boujloud Square, located at the entrance to the Fès medina. This corner of the city is a real treasure trove, especially for those who love places rich in history and local atmosphere!
As soon as I arrived at Boujloud Square, I was struck by the charm and beauty of the Bab Boujloud gateway. It's a real gateway into the heart of Fès, located to the west of the medina. Taxis constantly drop off tourists from all over the world, who come to discover the famous Blue Gate!
Place Boujloud is an esplanade that once hosted storytellers, public entertainers, snake charmers, as well as other entertainments. It is bordered by historical ramparts and the prestigious Lycée Moulay Idriss (High School). It has been recently rehabilitated and opened to the public for their leisurely stroll. Below the esplanade, the monumental Bab Boujloud Gate still provides direct access to the Medina. Built only at the beginning of the 20th century (1913) by the municipality, the gate attracts attention by its delicate arabesque and knot work ornamentations; they are blue on the exterior façade and green on the interior one. It is composed of a central arch and two small side arches. Next to the gate, visitors can discover the ancient water distributor, the cornerstone of the Medina’s water supply network.
It was developed by the Almoravids in the 11th century and attained perfection by the Merinids, who brought water from the Fez wadi (river) to Qarawiyine side in the 13th and 14th centuries. Composed of several underground entrances, which are made of ceramic cylinders inserted into one another, forming a complex underground network. Since the 11th century, mosques, madrasahs, fondouks (inns), hammams, fountains, and most of the wealthy homes in Fez had access to running water.
The giant historic walls around the square are truly extraordinary.
One important thing is that Place Boujloud is a strategic point from which to explore Fès. Nearby, you will find magnificent gardens such as the historic Jnan Sbil garden, a magnificent green space that links the old and new medinas, and not far from the square are many historic monuments such as the majestic Médersa Bou Inania, built in the 14th century by the Mérinides, the Quaraouine university, the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss 2 the builder of the city of Fes and who is the son of Moulay Idriss 1 the builder of the city Zarhoun (the oldest city of Morocco) on which I already made a post and that you can look at it here...
I came in the morning, but it's said that in the evening, the Place Boujloud takes on another exceptional charm, as the square is transformed into a convivial place where locals and visitors come together. Craftsmen display their creations: pottery, lanterns and colourful textiles. The adjacent streets lead you to workshops where you can watch weavers and carpenters at work, carrying on age-old traditions.
For those who like to avoid the crowds, it's best to come in the morning, and for those who love the beauty of nature, the square takes on an enchanting dimension at sunset. How do I get there? The square is a 10-minute walk from the CTM bus stop or 35 minutes from the train station. Local taxis are also a practical option!
Thank you for reading, I hope you like the photos I've taken and that this post will inspire you to discover this unique place. See you soon for more visits!
I'm Redwan from Morocco, a country rich in history, culture and natural landscapes! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
