Heavenly tilework in the Medina of Fez

The Medina of Fez is one of Morocco's best known world heritage sites and for good reason. Not only is it home to the oldest university in the world, but its centuries-old streets and buildings provide a glimpse into an incredibly rich history spiced with Andalusian, Oriental and African influences.

 To my mind, one of the most striking features of Fez are its distinctive mosaic tilework or zillij. Created by master craftsmen, tiles are glazed and cut in complex geometric patterns and colours.

While zilij is said to have reached its apogee in the 16th century in Marrakesh, the art form remains very much alive in Fez, and incredible tilework may be found almost anywhere, ranging from public fountains to the courtyards of the city's many madrassas, or Islamic religious schools.

The photos posted here were taken in Fez in July 2012.

Roman City of Volubilis, well worth visiting, but perhaps not in mid-summer

Reading about the destruction of Palmyra's monumental arch by IS reminded me of a visit in July 2012 to Volubilis, another ancient Roman city that also has the well-deserved status of a world heritage site. Despite the blazing sun and oven-like heat, the site was incredible!

Ruins range from the politico-religious (including the monumental arch pictured above) to the vernacular (no tour guide misses the opportunity to point the site of a reputed brothel), along with amazing mosaics that are all the more impressive for being preserved in situ.