Borj Nord Arms Museum
Explore centuries of weaponry and enjoy breathtaking Fes Medina views from a historic Ottoman fort.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Borj Nord Arms Museum
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of weaponry and enjoy breathtaking Fes Medina views from a historic Ottoman fort.
"Fantastic experience and morning walk with great views from the fort and a historical tour."
🎧 Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding with the English audio guide for exhibit details.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Medina
Enjoy a scenic walk up via the old city walls for a great approach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Fes Medina Views
Rooftop
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the ancient Fes Medina from the fort's rooftop.
Evolution of Armaments
Exhibition Halls
Explore a vast collection of historical weapons and armor, showcasing their impact on Moroccan history.
Restored Fort Architecture
The Fort Itself
Admire the excellently restored architecture of this historic military fort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Views & Fewer Crowds
Navigating Exhibits & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
At a military museum in Fes, found a Moroccan-ified Martini - Henry and Mannlicher 86? Any reason that they specifically shaped the stocks this way?
🎧 Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding with the English audio guide for exhibit details.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Medina
Enjoy a scenic walk up via the old city walls for a great approach.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
Don't miss the incredible panoramic views of Fes Medina from the top.
💰 Excellent Value
At 60 MAD, it's a highly recommended and affordable historical experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding with the English audio guide for exhibit details.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Medina
Enjoy a scenic walk up via the old city walls for a great approach.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
Don't miss the incredible panoramic views of Fes Medina from the top.
💰 Excellent Value
At 60 MAD, it's a highly recommended and affordable historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Borj Nord Arms Museum for its excellent value, fascinating historical exhibits on weaponry, and especially the stunning panoramic views of Fes Medina from its rooftop. The restored fort architecture also adds to the appeal, making it a highly recommended spot for a morning or afternoon visit. Some note that exhibit descriptions are primarily in French and Arabic, but an English audio guide is available.
"The museum afforded me a fantastic experience and morning walk, coming up via the old city walls from the medina. There are great views from the fort and a fantastic historical tour through the history of armaments and how their evolution altered and shaped history in Morocco and the surrounding countries. The fort itself has been restored to excellent condition and all the exhibits are signposted with information that is pertinent, to Morocco's history and "place" in the hierarchy of weaponization. Fantastic. Excellent value at 60dms."
Kevin Costello
"Outskirts of fes medina. Don’t know why not much introduction among the internet. Th wold city wall is splendid. A museum is built over there which displaying a lot of old weapon around the world. Highly recommend for a morning walk. In the roof top of the museum, you can have a top view over the fes Medina. Going back to Medina from here, you could also visit one of the old cemetery."
Norman Choi
"A monumental place you should visit when you're in fes, it deserve 😍"
Hi name (Reviews Pro)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Borj Nord Arms Museum by taking a taxi or enjoying a scenic walk up via the old city walls from the Fes Medina. The walk offers splendid views and is a recommended approach for a more immersive experience.
While taxis are readily available, direct public transport routes to the museum's immediate vicinity might be limited. Walking from the Medina or taking a taxi are the most common and convenient methods.
Many visitors recommend approaching the museum by walking up from the Medina via the old city walls. This offers a pleasant journey with great views leading up to the fort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is approximately 60 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), which is considered excellent value for the experience offered.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but the standard admission fee is very reasonable for the historical insights and views provided.
Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the museum. It's advisable to check for any specific booking requirements closer to your visit date, though advance booking is usually not necessary.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open during daylight hours, making it suitable for morning or afternoon visits. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a vast collection of historical weapons and armor from various eras, detailing their evolution and impact on Moroccan history. The restored fort itself and the panoramic views from the rooftop are also major attractions.
Exhibit descriptions are primarily in French and Arabic. However, an English audio guide is available, which greatly enhances the visitor experience and understanding of the exhibits.
Yes, an audio guide is available in English, which is highly recommended for visitors who want to fully appreciate the historical context of the armaments on display.
The rooftop of the museum offers spectacular panoramic views over the entire Fes Medina, providing a fantastic vantage point for photography and appreciating the city's layout.
Yes, there are private bathrooms available within the museum premises for visitor convenience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, especially for capturing the exhibits and the impressive architecture. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain displays.
The rooftop offers the most iconic photo opportunities with its sweeping views of Fes Medina. The restored fort's architecture and the detailed displays of weapons and armor also make for compelling shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and urban areas in Morocco. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits and the impressive fort architecture. The rooftop views offer a great opportunity for family photos and a chance to point out landmarks in the Medina. The walk up from the Medina can also be an adventure in itself, making the journey part of the fun.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the collection of arms and armor presents unique photographic opportunities, with intricate details on swords, shields, and firearms. The restored fort architecture itself is also photogenic, offering interesting angles and textures. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography to ensure you can capture the best shots.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum's setting within a 16th-century fort adds another layer of historical immersion. Understanding the fort's strategic importance and exploring its restored architecture complements the exhibits. The availability of an English audio guide is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Moroccan Military History
One fascinating aspect highlighted by visitors is the presence of uniquely modified firearms, such as Moroccan-ified Martini-Henry and Mannlicher rifles, often featuring distinct flared buttstocks. This adaptation reflects local craftsmanship and the integration of imported weaponry into North African traditions. The museum's exhibits are meticulously curated to provide context, though the primary descriptions are in French and Arabic.
For English-speaking visitors, the availability of an audio guide is invaluable. It bridges the language gap, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the historical narratives and the significance of each artifact. The museum is not just about the weapons themselves but also about the stories of the people who wielded them and the historical periods they represent.
The Fort and Its Commanding Views
The true highlight for many visitors, however, is the panoramic view from the rooftop. This vantage point offers an unparalleled perspective of the sprawling Fes Medina, with its intricate maze of streets, historic buildings, and bustling life. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially during the morning or late afternoon when the light casts a warm glow over the ancient city.
Combining a visit to the museum with a leisurely walk along the old city walls leading up to the fort enhances the overall experience. This approach allows visitors to soak in the atmosphere of Fes and appreciate the historical context of the fort before even entering. The proximity to other historical sites, like old cemeteries, also makes it a well-rounded excursion.
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