Fès Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish cemetery of Fès lies in the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter of Fès el-Jdid in Morocco, beside the Ibn Danan Synagogue. It is a large hillside burial ground of whitewashed tombs, set out in tight rows and laid flat or low to the ground, and it reflects the long history of the Jewish community in Fès, which flourished for centuries before most families emigrated in the 20th century. The white of the stone against the blue sky makes the cemetery visually striking, and it is considered one of the most photogenic places in the quarter, although visitors should behave with the respect due to a burial ground. Some graves are those of rabbis and scholars, and certain tombs are visited by pilgrims. Next to the cemetery the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the surrounding Mellah, with its distinctive balconied houses facing the street, add context to the visit. A walk through the cemetery and the nearby streets usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. A caretaker generally looks after the site and may open the gate in return for a small donation, typically a few dirhams. Men may be asked to cover their heads, and visitors should dress modestly. Morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photographs, and midday is hot and glaring because there is little shade. The cemetery is a short walk from the royal palace gates of Fès el-Jdid, and a petit taxi from Batha or the Ville Nouvelle costs about 10 to 15 MAD. Visitors should avoid walking on graves, and confirm opening arrangements locally, since hours are informal.