How to Visit The Merenid Tombs in Fes – Marinid Tombs Viewpoint

If you’re looking for historic sites in Fes, I recommend walking to the Merenid Tombs (Marinid Tombs).

These burial chambers are the final resting places of Merenid royalty, but remain a mystery, as no one knows who is buried there.

These tombs were once a royal necropolis on a hilltop. Today, it also provides one of the best viewpoints in Fes.

Here’s a complete guide for visiting the Merenid Tombs in Fes with important safety tips.

What are the Fes Merenid Tombs or Marinid Tombs?

The Marinid Tombs were a royal necropolis for the Marinid Dynasty of sultans who ruled over Fes starting in the 13th century. 

It was a large memorial site, but today this complex is a fraction of what it once was.

Nowadays, you’ll find just a handful of ruined burial chambers that lie barren above Fes El Bali.

Although the tombs are no longer glorious, the removal of the necropolis has provided an unobstructed panorama of Fes.

So, in recent years, this site is used by locals and tourists as a sunset spot.

Merenid Tombs mystery & history

The mysterious thing about the Merenid tombs is that no one really knows who is buried here.

All we know is that this was the former royal necropolis for the Merenid Dynasty.

They conquered Fes in 1250 and made Fes the Merenid capital. They built a royal palace in the Fes El-Jadid area, where the Fes Royal Palace is today.

There has never been an archaeological survey carried out. But many predict this necropolis is from the 14th century. 

To this day, no one knows who was laid to rest here. No names mark the tombs, or they were scratched off years ago.

This mystery has made way for speculation, and local legends of curses and mysteries were invented.

By the 15th century, the Merenid Dynasty fell due to a coup in the city. The last Merenid Sultan was executed in 1465 by the Wattasids.  

The Wattasids ransacked and looted valuable items from these tombs, even the skeletal remains.

Also, the locals took pieces of the structure for building materials. This is why there are hardly any chambers remaining.

Why visit the Merinid Tombs?

The views from this hill, high above the medina, more than make up for the rotting tombs and their miserable appearance.

I loved the fact that these chambers are ruined. They have an air of mystery, and you can explore the archways and crumbling structures.

The hillside is vast. So, there’s lots of room to explore or sit for a while to enjoy the views.

It’s so calm compared to the bustling streets of Fes below.

The best time to visit

Having been to see the tombs both during the day and at sunset. I have to admit, I much preferred it at sundown.

There’s something so magical about watching the sun over the horizon here and seeing the sky change different colours.

All the buildings in Fes are made with buttery stone, so you’ll get to see a bird’s-eye view of the hotchpotch of houses in the medina.

You’ll spot the minarets of mosques and shepherds grazing their flock.

The medina will be washed over with different hues of pinks, oranges, and purples.

You’ll also hear the lulling sounds of the evening call to prayer. It will be an evening to remember.

Safety tips 

Although this is a popular lookout point for tourists, be aware that pickpocketing and muggings take place around here, especially at night.

I was warned about this by many locals in the hotels and restaurants I stayed in. Unlike the medina, this place is remote.

Although it’s a great sunset point, it’s not recommended to stay until nightfall when it gets really dark. Especially for tourists.

How to visit the Merenid Tombs in Fes

There are a couple of ways to visit the Merenid Tombs in Fes. The most economical and scenic way would be to walk. 

The location is not far from the Fes El Bali area of the Medina, the Fes bus station, and the Borj Nord Museum. 

I decided to take the walk along the Avenue des Merenides, past the Marinid garden, and it took me around 20-30 minutes to reach there.

Alternatively, from Bou Inania Madrassa the walk will take around 30 minutes. It’s also around 8 minutes walk from Borj Nord Museum.

It will be quite a hot walk during the day, so bring water with you as there are no facilities whatsoever at the tombs.

Taking a taxi to the Merenid Tombs

I feel it’s safer to take a taxi. This is especially important at sunset so you’re not walking back in the dark. 

It will cost you around 20/30 MAD one way (£2/£2.50) from just outside Fes Medina.

Although it’s easy to find a taxi to take you up to the tombs, it’s not so easy to find one to take you back. 

So, you could hire a taxi and ask it to wait for you. This is what I did.

What to expect on your visit

During the day, I didn’t see another soul up here! It was empty, and so it was a great opportunity to snap some photographs.

I quickly understood why; it was roasting up here in the midday sun. A few days later, when I returned at sunset, it was much more tolerable.

There were swarms of tourists and couples gathered on the hill to watch the sunset.

Lower Fort & Bab Guissa

This area on the outskirts of the Medina is fascinating to explore, especially if you love scenic views and historical monuments. 

In complete contrast to the compact bustling bazaar below, you’ll find remote hilltops and ancient fortifications.

I really loved exploring the old city wall just below the Merenid Tombs. 

If you carry on, you’ll eventually reach Bab Guissa, a 12th-century arched city gate.

You’ll most likely see shepherds around here herding flocks and drying out leather skins in the midday sun.

If you’re looking for a museum, why not visit Borj Nord nearby? It’s a 16th-century fort inspired by the Portuguese. Today it’s a museum of arms.

Opening times and entry fees

The Merenid tombs are open 24 hours a day in Fes, and there is no entry fee.

It makes it a great budget activity while in the city. But, as before, don’t go late at night.

Things to do in Fes

Fes is not as glamorous as Marrakesh, but it is richer in so many ways with endless cultural experiences.

There are plenty of attractions hidden in the Medina like Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, and the Royal Palace Doors of Fes.

Also, if you’re looking for some amazing places to eat, try Café Clock who are known for its camel burgers.

Where to stay in Fes

Fes is full of riads and hotels; here are a few recommendations:

• Dar Seffarine –  This family-run property used to be a palace, restored to its former glory. Click here to read my full review.

• Riad Fes – a 5* property with luxurious decor and another incredible view from the rooftop. Click here to read my review.

Read more of my Morocco guides

The ultimate 2 weeks in Morocco itinerary

The top things I wish I knew before travelling to Morocco

What to wear in Morocco as a woman

Solo female travel tips for Morocco

Top things to do in Essaouira

Taking a Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakesh

Top places to visit in Chefchaouen

Save the Merenid Tombs Fes