Borj Nord (Museum of Arms)

Borj Nord is a Saadian fortress on a hill above Fès el-Bali in Morocco, built in 1582 by Ahmad al-Mansour to watch over the city and its Marinid rulers' former seat. It now houses the Museum of Arms, which displays Moroccan and European weapons, including swords, muskets, early firearms, cannon and armour assembled from collections across the country. The fortress itself is part of the exhibit: thick walls, broad ramparts, gun platforms and a central court survive, and the layout shows how the fort controlled the approaches to the medina. The collection is arranged in halls around the court, with cannon and larger pieces outdoors. The main reason many visitors climb here is the view from the ramparts, which sweep across the dense roofs, minarets and green-tiled domes of Fès el-Bali and out to the surrounding hills. Late afternoon is the favoured time, when the light softens and the city colours warm; sunset may be crowded, especially on weekends. A visit usually takes about 45 minutes. Hours are generally 8:30 to 16:30, though visitors are advised to confirm locally since the building reopened after restoration. Admission is about 20 MAD, with young children free. From Bab Bou Jeloud a petit taxi costs about 15 MAD, or the walk uphill takes about 25 minutes. Walkers should avoid the heat of midday and be aware that lanes outside the walls are exposed. The fort is often paired with the Merenid Tombs, a short distance along the same hillside, which offer another vantage point over the city. Photography is typically allowed on the ramparts; some interior rooms may restrict flash.