What to do · Fez
Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 15 min
- Who it's for
- Everyone
What it is
Bab Boujloud is the main gate of Fez el-Bali on the west and the most repeated image of the city. It is newer than it looks: the French administration built it in 1913, soon after the protectorate was set up. To make room for it a stable and three shops were bought and demolished. It replaced a more modest gate, perhaps from the 12th century, with a bent entrance, which can still be seen to one side, walled up.
Its two facades are covered in tilework with arabesques and geometric motifs. On the outside, facing west, blue dominates; on the inside, facing the medina, green. It is usually explained that blue is the colour of Fez and green that of Islam. That is why it is called the Blue Gate.
What you see
Stand in front, on the outer esplanade, and look through the central arch: in the background the minarets of the Bou Inania madrasa and the Sidi Lazzaz mosque appear, framed by the gate. It is the classic photo.
When you cross it you enter a small square full of cafés, juice stalls and restaurants with terraces. From it leave the two streets that go down to the heart of the medina: Talaa Kebira, the big one, and Talaa Seghira, the small one. The tour of the Fez el-Bali medina begins along Talaa Kebira.
What it is for on your trip
- Meeting point. It is the easiest place to explain to a taxi driver, a guide or your riad.
- End of the cars. Cars come this far; from the gate on, the medina is on foot, with donkeys and handcarts.
- Taxis. On the outer esplanade the petit taxis stop, red in Fez. To go to the railway station, the Ville Nouvelle or the Marinid tombs, take one here and agree the price or ask them to use the meter.
- Parking. If you arrive by car, look for guarded parking nearby and expect to give the attendant a few coins.
When to go
At any time: it is free and always open. For the photo, first thing in the morning, with few people and soft light on the blue tiles. At dusk, when the lights of the little square come on and the terraces fill, it has more atmosphere.
What to bear in mind
It is also the place where the most fake guides offer to accompany you. Say no politely and keep walking; if you want a guide, make sure they are official and hire through your riad: you have it at official medina guide.
Nearby
Ten minutes on foot you have the Dar Batha museum. For lunch, next to the gate, Café Clock, Le Tarbouche and NUR. For sleeping nearby, Riad Fes or the hostel Medina Social Club.
Tips
- Take the photo from outside From the outer esplanade you see the Bou Inania and Sidi Lazzaz minarets through the arch.
- Meet your guide here It is the point everyone knows and saves you hunting for each other in the alleys.
- Look at the old gate To one side the bent entrance that existed before 1913 still stands, walled up.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to see Bab Boujloud?
Nothing. It is a city gate, always open.
Why is it blue on the outside and green on the inside?
That is how the two facades were decorated in 1913. It is usually explained that blue is the colour of Fez and green that of Islam.
Can you get there by car?
Yes, as far as the outer esplanade. Cars do not enter the medina.
As a family
