Marinid Tombs, Ancient mausoleum ruins on a hilltop in Fez, Morocco
The Marinid Tombs are ruins of two rectangular mausoleums perched on a hillside above Fez, featuring fragments of carved stucco and Arabic inscriptions on the remaining stone walls. The structures show the remnants of what was once a royal burial place with details of medieval craftsmanship still visible.
These mausoleums were built in the 14th century to serve as burial chambers for members of the Marinid dynasty that ruled Morocco until 1415. The structures represent the power and influence this family held during their reign.
The tombs reflect the artistic style of the Marinid period, with geometric patterns and calligraphic details carved into the remaining stonework. These design choices show how the dynasty expressed its faith and power through architecture.
The site is reachable on foot from the old medina, though the path climbs steeply uphill and requires sturdy footwear. Visiting during daylight hours is best for navigating the terrain and seeing the surroundings clearly.
From this vantage point, you have a complete view of Fez Medina that becomes especially immersive during prayer times when multiple calls to prayer resonate across the city. The combination of the urban landscape below and these layered sounds creates a memorable sensory experience.
Location: Fez
GPS coordinates: 34.06981,-4.97941
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
Fes preserves centuries of Moroccan history through its streets, mosques, and workshops. The medieval old town brings together religious schools such as Medersa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa, where students studied theology and law since the 14th century. The blue gate of Bab Bou Jeloud marks the entrance to the medina, where Rue Talaa Kebira leads through old Fes. The Kairaouine Mosque has stood at the center of the city since the 9th century and houses one of the oldest universities in the world. Museums like Dar Batha display traditional ceramics and woodwork, while the Nejjarine Museum focuses on historic wooden crafts. The city also documents military history through Borj Nord and Borj Sud, two 16th-century fortresses that once guarded the medina. The Marinid Tombs sit on a hill above the city and offer views across the rooftops of Fes. In the Jewish quarter of Mellah, synagogues like Ibn Danan recall the centuries-long presence of the Jewish community. Palaces such as Dar el Makhzen with its golden gates and traditional tanneries like Chouara show how crafts shaped the city's economy. The Jnan Sbil garden provides a quiet contrast to the dense buildings of the old town.
University of al-Qarawiyyin
819 m
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
757 m
Chouara Tannery
881 m
Zawiya of Moulay Idris II
701 m
Al-Attarine Madrasa
746 m
Dar al-Magana
891 m
Funduq al-Najjariyyin
641 m
El-Jamai Palace
488 m
Borj Nord
587 m
Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani Zawiya
281 m
Chrabliyine Mosque
571 m
Place Seffarine
873 m
Tala'a Kebira
737 m
Mnebhi Palace
762 m
Seffarin Madrasa
891 m
Bab Guissa
346 m
Foundouk Tetouaniyine
801 m
Cherratine Madrasa
821 m
Riad Ba Mohamed Chergui
731 m
Fondouk Chemaine
774 m
Dar Adiyel
865 m
Ain al-Kheil Mosque
547 m
Medersa Al Mesbahia
770 m
Funduq Sagha
608 m
Diwan Mosque
689 m
Borj Neffara
755 m
Bab Guissa Mosque
362 m
Museum of Arms of Borj Nord
592 mReviews
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