Alhamra Mosque 🇲🇦

Step into history along the main street of Fes el-Jdid with a visit to the al-Hamra Mosque, also known as the Red Mosque or Jama' Lalla Hamra. Built during the 14th-century Marinid period, this local Friday mosque gets its evocative name from local legends attributing its creation to a "red woman" of the Banu Marin clan or perhaps an original reddish hue to its minaret. Across the street sit an ablutions house, hammam, and shops, while the main complex sports classic green-tiled wooden roofs.

Inside, you will discover a tranquil rectangular courtyard (sahn) featuring arched galleries, a central marble fountain basin, a colorful zellij wall fountain, and an ancient sundial set on a northern pillar. The main hypostyle prayer hall showcases impressive original Marinid berchla wooden ceilings configured in geometric patterns. Up front, the intricate mihrab is framed by stucco carvings of arabesque and calligraphic motifs, topped by a wood-frame dome adorned with geometric stars, muqarnas, and painted details.

Dominating the street side stands the magnificent square minaret, decorated with intricate darj wa ktaf motifs, bands of vibrant zellij tilework, and crowning merlons.

What to see at Alhamra Mosque

• Marvel at the original 14th-century Marinid berchla wooden ceilings in the prayer hall.
• Admire the decorative stucco-carved mihrab with its geometric star-patterned wooden dome.
• Spot the functional historic sundial mounted on an arcade pillar in the courtyard.
• Examine the soaring square minaret adorned with classic darj wa ktaf patterns and colorful zellij tiles.
• Discover the traditional courtyard equipped with a central marble basin and zellij wall fountain.

Visiting tips

Look up at the pillars in the northern courtyard gallery to spot the historic sundial used to track time.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Alhamra Mosque is easy to reach on Fes’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Andalusian Mosque and Ibn Danan Synagogue. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fes travel guide.