Morocco
Fes el Bali
Welcome to Fes el Bali, the walled old heart of Fez, Morocco! It's one of the largest car-free areas on Earth, where donkeys still carry deliveries through streets built over a thousand years ago.
Why is it famous?
It's believed to be the largest car-free urban area in the world, with over 9,000 narrow alleys winding through the old city.
It's home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in the year 859 — recognized as the oldest continuously operating university on the planet!
How was it built?
Two neighboring towns were founded here over a thousand years ago, on opposite sides of a river, and eventually grew together into one huge city.
Because it was built long before cars existed, its streets were made just wide enough for people and pack animals — far too narrow for anything on wheels.
Amazing facts
Since cars can't fit through the winding alleys, donkeys and mules still deliver everything from bread to furniture.
Handlers shout 'Balak, balak!' (meaning 'watch out!') to warn people a donkey is squeezing through.
Quick facts
- Since cars can't fit through the winding alleys, donkeys and mules still deliver everything from bread to furniture.
- Handlers shout 'Balak, balak!' (meaning 'watch out!') to warn people a donkey is squeezing through.
- At the famous Chouara Tannery, workers still dye leather by hand in a maze of colorful stone pits, just like they have for centuries.
- The old medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.