Bab Chems (Gate of the Sun), Fes

Bab Chems, meaning “Gate of the Sun,” developed in the late 19th century under Sultan Moulay Hassan I as part of a fortified corridor linking Fes el-Bali with the royal and administrative quarter of Fes el-Jdid. The route allowed movement between the two historic areas without leaving the protection of the walls and led toward the Old Mechouar, a ceremonial space used for military parades, royal receptions and official gatherings.

The gate was originally known as Bab Campini and had a more European, Neoclassical appearance. Italian engineers were working nearby on the Bab Al Makina arsenal, part of the sultan’s efforts to modernize military infrastructure. During the French Protectorate, the gateway was redesigned in a more traditional Moroccan style, replacing much of its earlier character with a pointed horseshoe arch and crenellated walls.

This architectural change reflects the Protectorate’s broader preference for Neo-Moorish forms in public buildings. Nearby landmarks add further historical context, including the Moulay Idriss school, founded in the early 20th century, and Jnan Sbil Gardens, whose landscaped grounds formed part of the wider royal and defensive landscape surrounding the gate.