Is the walk to the Marinid Tombs difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging due to the steep uphill climb. The paths are often unpaved and can be slippery if it has recently rained.

What is the best time for a walking tour Fes northern hills?

The absolute best time is about an hour before sunset. This allows you to see the city in 'golden hour' light and hear the evening call to prayer.

Can I see the medina clearly from the top?

Absolutely, the ridge offers the most famous panoramic view of Fes el Bali. You can see the entire valley, including the Qaraouiyine Mosque and the Tanneries.

Is it safe to visit the Marinid Tombs at night?

It is generally safe at sunset when many people are around, but it is recommended to head back down to the city once it gets dark. The area is not well-lit.

Are there entrance fees for this walking route?

No, walking the ridge and visiting the Marinid Tombs is free. Only the interior of the Borj Nord Museum requires a small admission fee.

Can I take a taxi to the start of the walk?

Yes, you can take a petit taxi from any medina gate to Borj Nord. This saves you the initial uphill climb and lets you enjoy the ridge walk descending.

Is this route suitable for children?

Older children may enjoy the climb and the 'castle' feel of the ruins, but it is quite strenuous for very young children or those in strollers.

The Panoramic Ridge: Merenid Tombs at Sunset | Walking Tour

1 hr 15 min

Duration

5

Stops

Challenging

Difficulty

About This Tour

Rising above the labyrinthine streets of Fes el Bali, the northern hills offer a perspective of the city that few travelers fully appreciate. This self-guided walking route takes you away from the dense humidity of the souks and into the crisp air of the Panoramic Ridge. Here, the scale of the world’s largest car-free urban area becomes clear, revealing a sea of minarets, satellite dishes, and ancient limestone walls that have stood for over a millennium. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a photography excursion; it is a journey through the defensive and dynastic history of Fes. You will begin at the imposing Borj Nord, a 16th-century fortress that once guarded the city from external threats and internal rebellions. As you ascend toward the ruins of the Marinid Tombs, the landscape transforms into a dramatic backdrop of crumbling arches and rugged hillsides. The height of the ridge provides a literal bird's-eye view of landmarks like the green-roofed Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and the sprawling Tanneries. While many visitors opt for a quick taxi ride to the top, this walking route allows you to experience the transition from the regal heights of the Merenid dynasty to the local life surrounding the Bab Guissa gate. It is a challenging climb, but the reward is a front-row seat to the daily spectacle of the sunset, when the calls to prayer from hundreds of mosques echo across the valley in a hauntingly beautiful symphony. Whether you are an avid photographer looking for the perfect golden hour shot or a history enthusiast wanting to see the city's scale, this ridge walk offers a peaceful yet powerful alternative to the frantic energy of the medina below. Explore independently and take your time to watch the shadows stretch across Fes el Bali as the city prepares for nightfall.

Highlights

Panoramic views of the Fes el Bali medina
The 16th-century Saadian fortress of Borj Nord
Ruins of the 14th-century Marinid royal tombs
Iconic sunset photography locations
The historic monumental gate of Bab Guissa
The synchronized 'Call to Prayer' across the valley

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Borj Nord Museum

Start exploring with Zigway at the Borj Nord, a massive 16th-century fortress. Built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1582, this structure was inspired by Portuguese military architecture of the time. While it looks like a defensive bastion against foreign invaders, it was actually positioned here to keep a watchful eye on the often-rebellious citizens of Fes. Today, the building houses an impressive museum of weaponry, but even from the exterior, its star-shaped design and massive stone walls tell a story of power and control. Notice the strategic vantage point it holds over the valley; from here, nothing could enter or leave the northern side of the city without being seen by the Sultan's guards.

2

Hotel Les Merinides

As you continue your walking route along the ridge, you will pass the Hotel Les Merinides. While it is a modern luxury establishment, its location is historically significant. It sits on the edge of the plateau that connects the military might of Borj Nord with the spiritual resting places of the Marinid kings. This area serves as a transition point where the terrain becomes more rugged. Take a moment to look down toward the medina; from this height, you can clearly see the distinction between the ancient Fes el Bali and the 13th-century 'new' city, Fes el Jdid. The terrace here is a popular spot for a quick refreshment, but the best views are still ahead as you move toward the tombs.

3

Viewpoint Medina

This specific outcrop is widely considered the best 'postcard' view of Fes. From this vantage point, the sheer scale of the medina is revealed. You are looking at a UNESCO World Heritage site containing over 9,000 narrow alleys and nearly 300 mosques. Try to spot the large green-tiled roof of the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, founded in 859 AD, which is one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities. During the late afternoon, the light hits the limestone buildings, turning the entire valley a pale gold. This is the perfect place to pause and listen; as the sun dips, the various muezzins across the city begin their calls to prayer, creating a layered soundscape that is unique to Fes.

4

Marinid Tombs

You have reached the Marinid Tombs, the skeletal remains of a 14th-century royal necropolis. Although much of the intricate marble and tilework that once adorned these structures has disappeared over the centuries, the ruins remain a powerful symbol of the Marinid dynasty's golden age. These kings were responsible for building much of the 'new' city of Fes and dozens of the grand madrasas you see in the medina. Today, the tombs are a quiet place where locals come to reflect and watch the sunset. The contrast between the ruined grandeur of the tombs and the living, breathing city below offers a poignant reminder of the long cycles of history that have shaped Morocco.

5

Bab Guissa

Begin your descent toward Bab Guissa, one of the main northern gates of the medina. Originally built in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, the gate has been rebuilt and modified many times. As you approach, you will see the Bab Guissa Mosque with its beautiful minaret. This area is often bustling with activity, as it serves as a major entry point for goods and people coming from the hills. The transition from the silent, open ridge back into the crowded, narrow streets of the city can be jarring, but it marks the end of your panoramic adventure. From here, you can easily find your way back to the heart of the medina's markets.