Southern Tower, Military watchtower in Fes, Morocco
The stone fortification stands on a hillside with thick defensive walls, Renaissance architectural elements, and strategic positions designed for artillery placement.
The Southern Tower was constructed during the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century as part of a network of fortifications to defend Fes against rival factions.
The structure represents a fusion of Moroccan and European military architecture, incorporating local stone craftsmanship with Portuguese defensive building techniques.
Visitors can reach the tower by following the path from Tala'a Kebira street, with guided tours available to explain the historical context of the fortification.
From its position, the tower provides a complete view of the medina, allowing observers to study the medieval urban layout of Fes.
Location: Fez
GPS coordinates: 34.05403,-4.97000
Latest update: March 4, 2025 02:55
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.
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