Bab Guissa Fez
A 12th-century arched stone gateway, Bab Guissa is a historic entrance to Fes el-Bali, offering a peaceful cemetery and access to a vibrant, car-free ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Bab Guissa Fez
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century arched stone gateway, Bab Guissa is a historic entrance to Fes el-Bali, offering a peaceful cemetery and access to a vibrant, car-free medina.
"Bab Guissa is a beautiful and peaceful cemetery just by the side, an interesting starting point for the visit."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace Getting Lost
The medina is a maze, but that's part of the adventure! :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bab Guissa Gate
A majestic 12th-century arched stone gateway, marking a historic entrance to the ancient medina of Fes.
Peaceful Cemetery
Adjacent to Bab Guissa
A serene and beautiful cemetery offering a tranquil escape with views of the old city.
Fes el-Bali Medina
Explore the world's largest car-free urban area, a maze of narrow streets, vibrant souks, and historic sites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Medina
Gateways to History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace Getting Lost
The medina is a maze, but that's part of the adventure! :world_map:
Carry Cash
Many smaller shops and some accommodations prefer cash. :moneybag:
Consider a Guide
A local guide can enhance your experience and prevent getting lost. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace Getting Lost
The medina is a maze, but that's part of the adventure! :world_map:
Carry Cash
Many smaller shops and some accommodations prefer cash. :moneybag:
Consider a Guide
A local guide can enhance your experience and prevent getting lost. :walking:
Capture the Scenery
The historic architecture and vibrant street life are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bab Guissa as a beautiful and peaceful historic gateway to the Fes medina, often highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff of nearby accommodations. While the charm of the old city is undeniable, some guests have noted issues with plumbing in certain establishments and a preference for cash payments over cards.
"One of the old city Gates aka Entrance. A very beautiful and peaceful cemetery just by the side."
Shaik Masood
"What we liked about Dar Bab Guissa
- the way the place looks like
- the value for the money
- the welcoming tea and cookies
- the breakfast
- the friendliness of the personnel
You have to take into consideration that this place:
- has a problem with the plumbing and the shower drain and sink drain might clog
- accepts no card payment"
lawyer.traveler.dreamer
"After googling the meaning of 'Bab', now I have better understanding. As one of 14 gates to the city of Fes, it was interesting starting point for the visit. We were pretty shocked with the price of dove poop (20 dh per kg), maybe Koreans can export it?:)"
busysuzie in Seoul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bab Guissa is one of the main entrances to the Fes el-Bali medina. You can reach it by taxi or by walking from within the medina. Many visitors find it a good starting point for exploring the ancient city. 
The streets within the medina, including those leading directly to Bab Guissa, are pedestrian-only. You'll need to park outside the medina walls and walk in.
The medina is a labyrinth. While getting lost is part of the experience, consider downloading an offline map or hiring a local guide for your first visit to orient yourself.
Taxis are readily available to take you to the vicinity of Bab Guissa. From there, you can enter the medina on foot.
Adjacent to the gate is a peaceful cemetery, and it serves as a gateway to the vast Fes el-Bali medina, filled with souks, mosques, and historic sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bab Guissa itself is a historic gate and an entrance to the medina, so there is no admission fee to pass through it.
As an ancient city gate, Bab Guissa is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and better exploration.
While passing through Bab Guissa is free, many of the historical sites, mosques (except for prayer times), and museums within the medina will have admission fees.
It's highly recommended to carry cash, as many smaller shops, vendors, and even some riads within the medina may not accept card payments.
The cemetery adjacent to Bab Guissa is generally free to enter and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the 12th-century arched gate, the surrounding ramparts, and the peaceful cemetery. The medina streets offer endless photographic potential.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas of the medina. However, always be respectful and ask permission before photographing people, especially women.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, casting a warm glow on the ancient stone. Early mornings can also be great for fewer crowds and soft light.
Drone usage is often restricted in historic areas and cities in Morocco. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the gate and street scenes, as well as details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the narrow alleys.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
As a gateway to the medina, you'll find numerous souks selling traditional Moroccan crafts, leather goods, spices, textiles, and more.
Fes is known for its pottery, intricate metalwork, leather goods, and fragrant perfumes. Look for unique artisanal items.
Haggling is expected and part of the shopping culture. Start with a lower offer and negotiate respectfully to reach a fair price.
Explore the various souks within the medina. Look for workshops where artisans are actively creating their goods for a more authentic experience.
One reviewer humorously mentioned the price of dove poop (20 dh per kg) being sold in the Fes market, suggesting it's a unique local commodity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider hiring a local guide who can tailor the tour to keep children engaged and ensure everyone stays safe and on track. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for a lot of walking. The sheer novelty of the medina, with its donkeys carrying goods and the maze-like structure, can be a memorable experience for younger travelers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Accommodation options like hostels and budget riads can be found within the medina, offering a more immersive experience at a lower cost. Be prepared to haggle respectfully for souvenirs, as prices can often be negotiated. Carrying cash is essential, as many smaller establishments do not accept cards.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Significance of Bab Guissa
+1Beyond its architectural grandeur, Bab Guissa is also historically linked to the spiritual landscape of Fes. Adjacent to the gate lies a peaceful cemetery, a place of rest for many, including notable figures. This proximity to a place of remembrance adds a layer of solemnity and historical depth to the gateway. The gate's enduring presence is a testament to the city's resilience and its continuous history spanning over a millennium.
For visitors, Bab Guissa is more than just an old gate; it's a portal to another era. Passing through it signifies entering the heart of Fes el-Bali, a place where time seems to slow down, and the echoes of the past are palpable. It's an ideal starting point for exploring the medina's intricate network of alleys, vibrant souks, and hidden courtyards.
Exploring Fes el-Bali: A Labyrinth of Wonders
+1The medina is home to significant historical and cultural sites, including the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in the 9th century and considered one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Its stunning mosaics and architecture are a must-see. Other key landmarks include the R'cif Mosque, which overlooks a lively market square, and numerous riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards) that now serve as guesthouses.
+1When exploring Fes el-Bali, embrace the sensory experience. The air is often filled with the aroma of spices, perfumes, and street food. The vibrant colors of textiles, ceramics, and leather goods in the souks are a feast for the eyes. While it's easy to get disoriented, many visitors find that the best way to experience the medina is to wander freely, allowing for serendipitous discoveries.
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