Ain al-Kheil Mosque, 12th century mosque in Fes el Bali, Morocco.
Ain al-Kheil Mosque is a 12th century structure in the old medina of Fès featuring an octagonal minaret that rises prominently above the surrounding buildings. The building contains two prayer halls situated on different levels, each with traditional columned halls and arched passages.
This structure was built during the Almohad dynasty in the late 12th century and served as a significant location for the Andalusian scholar Ibn Arabi. The building sustained damage in 2006 from collapsed adjacent structures but underwent comprehensive restoration work afterward.
The prayer halls showcase traditional Moroccan architectural features such as columns and horseshoe arches that reflect local Islamic building practices. These design elements show how worship spaces in Fès were built to incorporate regional aesthetic traditions.
This active place of worship is located within the narrow, winding streets of the medina where navigation can be challenging. It helps to explore with a local guide or understand the exact location beforehand to find the site easily.
The octagonal minaret stands out distinctly from the square-based minarets commonly seen elsewhere in Morocco. This unusual design makes the building architecturally different from other religious structures in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
