Fez, Morocco
Moroccan cultural heritage site
Borj Nord is a fort on the hills above Fes el-Bali to the north, built in 1582 by the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur on the model of 16th-century Portuguese forts. It is one of the largest defensive works around Fez and one of the few to adopt European gunpowder-age military design. The Saadians, ruling from Marrakech, built it as much to keep an eye on the restless old city as to defend it, in a commanding spot overlooking everything. Today it houses the Museum of Arms, with around 5,000 pieces in its halls and rooms: prehistoric stone weapons, swords, spears and shields, decorated Moroccan and European guns, and cannons, the best known being the huge Saadian gun called al-Maymuna, and one presented by a king of Sweden. What draws most people, though, is the view: from around the fort the whole of Fes el-Bali spreads across the valley, white roofs, minarets and the green tiles of the Qarawiyyin, one of the finest sights in Morocco at sunset.
Take a taxi up, then walk to the nearby Marinid Tombs for an even wider view. Late afternoon is best, when the calls to prayer echo across the valley. The museum closes at midday from 12:00 to 14:00 and on Mondays. Allow an hour for the museum and half an hour for the view. Keep valuables out of sight in the evening.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionFez, Morocco
