MEDINA OF FEZ, MOROCCO BY A PHOTOGRAPHER

Fez Palais El Mokri was built in 1906 by Si Tayeb el Mokri, Pasha to Casablanca and son of the Grand Vizir of the King. The Palais is now home to a few of the Pasha’s heirs who charge a small entrance fee to curious visitors and, on occasion, rent out a few of the rooms for the night.

One of those rooms available for rent is The Red Room.

Like with many Moroccan towns, the medina is the center of Fez. Here, a man transports goods in the medina.

Bab El Mahrouk is one the medina’s points of entry—and certainly the most striking.

This traditionally restored “dar,” or house, retains all the original tilework.

These colorful, handcrafted leather slippers, or “babouches,” are a popular souvenir.

Photographer Felix Odell says that his favorite thing to do in Fez was simply walk down side streets, people-watch, and get lost.

At the medina’s souk, Odell picked up spices and mint to take home to his native Stockholm.

At night, Odell stayed at the Fez Jardin Des Biehn, an elegant old-world property in the medina.

Outside of the African Suite at the Fez Jardin Des Biehn were these walls, washed in a blue color popular throughout Morocco.

This raspberry tart ended a meal at the Jardin’s restaurant.

A contrast of patterns and textures in the Pasha Suite mirrored the electic range of textiles found in the souk.

Although some of Morocco’s cities, like Marrakech, are full of people in modern clothes, many of Fez’s residents wear traditional dress.

The entrance of Al-Attarine Madrassa, an Islamic school built in the 13th century.

Traditional Fassi-style pottery was on display at Souk el Henna.

Past the medina’s walls is a small mountain. Locals love to climb it at night for the views of the sun setting over the city.

From the hilltops of Mt. Zalegh, you can see the city as well as the countryside.

A traditional Friday lunch of vegetable couscous cooked in a tagine at the Alami family riad. Odell reports that everything he ate in Fez was “fantastic.”

Hotel Sahrai, just outside of the medina, is a mix of classic Moroccan design elements (like this rich tapestry, pictured) and modern amenities.

A corridor of water just off the lobby at the Hotel Sahrai.