Is Bab Bou Jeloud the original medieval gate of Fez?

No. The current gate dates to 1913. The original 12th-century gate, designed with defensive bent angles, still stands immediately beside it but is closed to traffic.

What's inside the gate?

Once through, a small square opens onto Talaa Kebira and Talaa Sghira — the two main streets that thread through Fes el-Bali, lined with cafés, juice stands and Bou Inania Madrasa within five minutes.

FEZ · LOCATIONS

Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)

1913 ceremonial gateway to Fes el-Bali

Chat with us

Fezlocations

Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) — Fez

1913 ceremonial gateway to Fes el-Bali

The triple-arched Bab Bou Jeloud was built by the French Protectorate in 1913 to create a grander entrance to the old medina, replacing a simpler 12th-century gate that still stands closed beside it. Its outer face is sheathed in blue zellij; the inner face is green.

Location

Fez

FAQs

Its exterior face is decorated with cobalt-blue zellij — the colour traditionally associated with Fez. The inner face, visible only once you've passed through, is green, the colour of Islam.