Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University stands near Place Seffarine at the heart of Fès el-Bali, the medina of Fès in Morocco. It was founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman from Kairouan, and is recognised by UNESCO and Guinness as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting educational institution in the world. Over the centuries it grew into one of the largest mosques in North Africa and a centre of learning in theology, law, astronomy and the sciences. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer halls or courtyard, so a visit is limited to the exterior, but a number of doorways open onto the lanes around the complex and allow brief glimpses of the courtyard, its fountain and the tiled arcades. Visitors can see the carved and painted wooden doors, the surrounding streets lined with trades and the nearby Attarine and Seffarine quarters. A walk around the outside takes 20 to 30 minutes, which can be extended by visiting the neighbouring Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Place Seffarine coppersmiths. The most rewarding time is mid-morning between prayers, when the doorways are quiet and porters and shoppers are moving through the lanes. At prayer times, especially Friday midday, the surrounding streets are crowded with worshippers and visitors are asked to give way. The complex also holds the Qarawiyyin Library, one of the world's oldest libraries, restored under the direction of Aziza Chaouni; access to it is limited and visitors should check locally. There is no entry fee for the exterior. From Bab Bou Jeloud it is about a 15-minute walk following signs to Place Seffarine. Modest clothing is expected, and visitors should photograph only the exteriors and avoid pointing cameras into the interior at worshippers.