Zawiya of Moulay Idris II, Religious shrine in the Medina of Fez, Morocco
The Zawiya of Moulay Idris II is a shrine in the Medina of Fez featuring a tall minaret, a green-tiled pyramidal roof, and a central courtyard with a white marble fountain. The complex includes prayer halls and the tomb chamber within its walls.
The shrine was built around Idris II, the founder of Fez, and has held religious importance for centuries. In the 15th century, workers uncovered his remains during restoration work, which reinforced the site's significance for pilgrims and believers.
The place draws people who come to pray and pay their respects at the tomb. The building with its distinctive green roof tiles has become a focal point for religious gatherings and community celebrations throughout the year.
The shrine is open around the clock, though the tomb chamber is reserved for Muslim visitors only. The narrow streets of the Medina can be confusing to navigate, so a local guide often helps with finding your way through the area.
Wooden barriers around the complex mark traditional boundaries that once prevented non-Muslims and pack animals from entering the sacred grounds. These boundaries still reflect the historical rules that defined who could access the innermost spaces of the shrine.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.