Place des Alaouites
Admire the stunning Royal Palace gates, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, and a filming location for 'Indiana Jones'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Place des Alaouites
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Admire the stunning Royal Palace gates, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, and a filming location for 'Indiana Jones'.
"The Royal Palace gates are a breathtaking testament to Moroccan craftsmanship."
📸 Capture the Gates
The Royal Palace gates are a photographer's dream. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Fes. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the medina and surrounding areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Palace Gates
Place des Alaouites
Admire the intricate mosaic tiles, carved cedar wood, and gilt bronze doors of the Royal Palace gates. A stunning example of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Indiana Jones Filming Location
Place des Alaouites
Stand where scenes from 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' were filmed, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your visit.
Architectural Details
Surrounding buildings
Explore the diverse architectural styles around the square, showcasing traditional Moroccan design and modern influences.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Place des Alaouites
Navigating Place des Alaouites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Gates
The Royal Palace gates are a photographer's dream. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Fes. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the medina and surrounding areas.
🎬 Indiana Jones Spot
Locate the exact spots where 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' was filmed for a unique photo op.
📍 Central Location
Place des Alaouites is a key landmark, often used as a meeting point or reference for navigation in Fes.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Gates
The Royal Palace gates are a photographer's dream. Visit early or late for the best light and fewer people.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Fes. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the medina and surrounding areas.
🎬 Indiana Jones Spot
Locate the exact spots where 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' was filmed for a unique photo op.
📍 Central Location
Place des Alaouites is a key landmark, often used as a meeting point or reference for navigation in Fes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the stunning craftsmanship of the Royal Palace gates at Place des Alaouites, often highlighting their intricate details and grandeur. The square's historical significance and its role as a filming location for 'Indiana Jones' add to its appeal. While the palace itself is not accessible, the exterior is a major draw.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place des Alaouites is centrally located in Fes, Morocco. It's easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Many visitors find it a convenient starting point for exploring the Fes Medina.
Yes, Place des Alaouites is conveniently located opposite the Rabat Ville train station, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving by train.
Depending on your starting point in the Fes Medina, it's a walkable distance, though it can be a bit of a trek. Taxis are readily available if you prefer a quicker route.
For exploring Fes, walking within the Medina is essential. For longer distances or reaching areas like Place des Alaouites, petit taxis are common and affordable.
Many guided tours of Fes include a visit to or pass by Place des Alaouites, especially those focusing on the historical and architectural sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place des Alaouites is a public square and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely admire the Royal Palace gates and the surrounding area.
As a public square, Place des Alaouites is accessible at all times. However, the Royal Palace itself is not open to the public, so you can only view its exterior.
The Royal Palace in Fes is an active royal residence and is not open to the public for tours. Therefore, there is no entry fee to visit the palace itself.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in the public areas of Place des Alaouites. However, be respectful and avoid taking intrusive photos of people without permission.
While the square is public, remember that you are in front of a royal palace. Be mindful of security and avoid any actions that could be perceived as disrespectful or disruptive.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are early morning and late afternoon. The 'golden hour' light beautifully illuminates the Royal Palace gates and surrounding architecture.
The intricate details of the Royal Palace gates, including the mosaic tiles, carved wood, and metalwork, are highly photogenic. The surrounding buildings also offer interesting architectural shots.
Yes, Place des Alaouites offers excellent vantage points for photographing the impressive facade of the Royal Palace gates.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and detail. Consider including some of the surrounding urban elements to provide context.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive areas like royal palaces. It's best to avoid using drones here to prevent any issues with authorities.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the magnificent Royal Palace gates, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. You can also soak in the atmosphere of this historic square and its surroundings.
Absolutely! It's a central and well-known landmark, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the Fes Medina and other nearby attractions.
It's a historically significant square in Fes, notable for its proximity to the Royal Palace and its role as a gateway to the city's imperial past. It was also a filming location for 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'.
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour admiring the gates and taking photos. If you plan to explore further into Fes from here, allocate more time.
Yes, Place des Alaouites is a gateway to the Fes Medina, which is filled with historical sites, souks, and cultural experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Place des Alaouites itself is primarily a public square, there are restaurants and cafes located nearby, particularly along Avenue Mohammed V.
You can find a variety of Moroccan cuisine, as well as international options like Italian food, in the vicinity of the square.
Yes, the area offers convenient dining options, especially if you're looking for a meal before or after exploring the Fes Medina.
Street food options might be available in the broader vicinity, but the immediate area around the palace gates is generally more formal.
Don't miss trying tagine, couscous, pastilla, and various Moroccan pastries. Many restaurants near Place des Alaouites will offer these traditional dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families, Fes offers more engaging activities within the Medina, such as visiting the Chouara Tannery (with proper precautions) or exploring the artisan workshops. Place des Alaouites can serve as a good starting point or a landmark to orient yourselves before diving into the more child-friendly aspects of the city.
🎬 Film Buffs
Beyond Indiana Jones, Fes itself is a city steeped in history and atmosphere, often inspiring filmmakers. The ancient medina and its unique architecture provide a timeless backdrop that can evoke a sense of adventure and discovery, making the entire city feel like a potential movie set.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Palace Gates: A Masterpiece of Moroccan Artistry
These gates are not just visually stunning; they represent a significant architectural achievement, blending traditional Moroccan artistry with a more modern aesthetic. The vibrant colors of the zellij and the rich textures of the wood and metal create a harmonious and majestic facade. It's a perfect spot to appreciate the dedication and skill of Moroccan artisans.
While you cannot enter the palace itself, standing before these gates offers a profound glimpse into the grandeur and cultural heritage of Morocco. They serve as a powerful symbol of Fes's status as an imperial city and a hub of artistic excellence.
Fes: Morocco's Imperial Gem and Cinematic Star
Beyond its historical allure, Fes has also captured the attention of Hollywood. Place des Alaouites, in particular, served as a filming location for the 2023 blockbuster 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'. This adds an exciting layer of modern pop culture to the ancient city, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of cinematic heroes.
Exploring Fes offers a multi-faceted experience, from delving into its deep historical roots and admiring its architectural beauty to experiencing the thrill of visiting a famous movie set. It's a destination that caters to history buffs, art lovers, and film enthusiasts alike.
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