Merenid Tombs

The Merenid Tombs are the ruins of 14th-century Marinid royal tombs on a hill north of Fes el-Bali, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. No building is intact, and what remains are crumbling walls and arches on the hillside. The reason to come is the panoramic view over the medina, with the roofs, minarets and satellite dishes of the old city spread across the valley below. The site is open at any time and free to enter. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A petit taxi from Bab Bou Jeloud costs about MAD 15-20, and the walk down to the city takes about 30 minutes. Sunset is the best time for the view and for photographs, when the light warms the city and the call to prayer rises from the mosques. Because it is the most popular viewpoint, the hill can be busy at sunset, while mornings are quieter. Visitors should not stay after dark on their own, since the hill is isolated and the path is rough, and a taxi arranged for the return is a practical option. Young men sometimes offer guidance or photographs for a tip, and a polite refusal is normal. The ground is stony and uneven, and there is no shade, so water and sun protection are useful. The site can be combined with Borj Nord on the next hill, which offers a similar view and a museum.