The oldest of the imperial cities, Fes is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco. Long considered the center of Islamic orthodoxy, its allegiance, or at least submission, has always been essential to Morocco’s rulers. The medina (old town) of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world – with the exception of Marrakesh, Cairo and Damascus, there is nothing remotely comparable. Its narrow winding alleys and covered bazaars are crammed with every conceivable sort of workshop, restaurant and market, as wells as mosques, medersas (colleges) and extensive dye pits and tanneries – a veritable assault on the senses. Though the medina may seem full of hustle and life, in essence Fes is a veiled, self-contained city where life moves to centuries-old traditions – a city which doesn’t easily bare its soul. The key is to give it time. Slowly you will begin to glimpse behind the anonymous walls.