Borj Sud Viewpoint
Historic fortress offering breathtaking, free panoramic views of the Fez Medina and surrounding landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Borj Sud Viewpoint
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic fortress offering breathtaking, free panoramic views of the Fez Medina and surrounding landscape.
"The panoramic view of the Medina was spectacular & amazing."
🚶♀️ Walk Up for Views
Enjoy a scenic walk from the medina; the journey offers evolving vistas as you ascend. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Fortress Often Closed
The interior of Borj Sud is usually inaccessible, so focus on the exterior and views. :information_desk:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Fez Medina Views
Exterior of Borj Sud
Gaze out over the sprawling Medina, the King's Palace, and distant Marinid tombs. A truly breathtaking vista.
Historic Fortification
Exterior of Borj Sud
Admire the 1582 fortress, strategically built on a hill for commanding views of the old city.
Mountain Landscape
From Borj Sud
See the wider landscape of Fez stretching out towards the mountains beyond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessibility and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Up for Views
Enjoy a scenic walk from the medina; the journey offers evolving vistas as you ascend. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Fortress Often Closed
The interior of Borj Sud is usually inaccessible, so focus on the exterior and views. :information_desk:
☀️ Best for Clear Days
Maximize the panoramic city and landscape views by visiting on a day with good visibility. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the stunning viewpoints and historic exterior without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Up for Views
Enjoy a scenic walk from the medina; the journey offers evolving vistas as you ascend. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Fortress Often Closed
The interior of Borj Sud is usually inaccessible, so focus on the exterior and views. :information_desk:
☀️ Best for Clear Days
Maximize the panoramic city and landscape views by visiting on a day with good visibility. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the stunning viewpoints and historic exterior without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular, free panoramic views of the Fez Medina and surrounding landscape from Borj Sud. It's a highly recommended spot for appreciating the city's scale and history, though the fortress interior is typically inaccessible. The walk up is considered worthwhile for the vistas.
"Good viewpoint to see the king’s palace, the medina, the remains of the Marinid tombs in the distance and the wider landscape. It’s free. The fortress you can’t enter."
Nick
"A great walk up from the medina with a beautiful outlook as the reward. Fez sits below as you gaze out to the mountains beyond."
Kevin Costello
"It is absolutely essential to come up to this historic fort which was built in 1582. Like many embattlement this one was built on top of the hill to give control of the Old city. What it does today is offer panoramic views of the Medina and the landscape of Fez"
Ross Daniels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Borj Sud is by walking from the Fez Medina. It's a pleasant, albeit uphill, walk that offers increasingly impressive views as you ascend. Taxis can also take you closer to the viewpoint if you prefer not to walk the entire way.
While cars can get relatively close, the final approach to the viewpoint is often best managed on foot. Parking might be limited near the top.
Many visitors enjoy the walk up from the medina, taking in the evolving scenery. The primary draw is the panoramic view, so aim for a clear day.
Public transport directly to the viewpoint is limited. Taxis are a more convenient option if you're not keen on the walk.
The walking time can vary depending on your pace and starting point in the Medina, but typically it takes around 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the exterior of Borj Sud and its viewpoints is completely free.
The exterior and viewpoint are generally accessible during daylight hours. The fortress interior, however, is often closed to the public.
Unfortunately, the interior of the Borj Sud fortress is typically closed and not accessible to visitors. The main attraction is the exterior and the views it offers.
There is no entrance fee to enjoy the panoramic views from Borj Sud. It's a free attraction.
For photography, early morning or late afternoon offers the best light. The golden hour before sunset can be particularly stunning.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire perimeter offers fantastic vantage points. Focus on capturing the sweeping panorama of the Fez Medina, the King's Palace, and the surrounding hills.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive city views. However, even a smartphone can capture stunning shots.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at the exterior viewpoint.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, provides the most dramatic lighting for photographs.
Drone usage regulations can vary and may require permits. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
From Borj Sud, you get a spectacular panoramic view of the Fez Medina, the King's Palace, the Marinid Tombs in the distance, and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
The interior of the fortress is typically closed. The experience is centered around the exterior architecture and the breathtaking views it provides.
While there are no dedicated picnic facilities, the open exterior areas can be suitable for a simple picnic, especially if you find a quiet spot.
Crowds can vary, but it's generally less crowded than attractions within the Medina. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be more popular.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the uphill walk. Dress modestly out of respect for local culture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. The visual scale of the city from this vantage point can be quite engaging for younger minds, offering a different perspective than exploring the narrow medina streets. It's a good spot for a family photo with the city as a backdrop.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While there are no cafes or shops on-site, this means you won't be tempted by tourist prices. Pack your own water and snacks to enjoy while taking in the views, making it a perfect, cost-effective addition to your Fez itinerary.
📸 Photographers
Pay attention to the light and shadows, which can add depth and drama to your shots. The historic architecture of the fort itself also provides interesting foreground elements. While the interior is closed, the exterior walls and ramparts offer unique angles. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself taking many photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Borj Sud
Today, Borj Sud serves primarily as a viewpoint, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the sprawling Fez Medina, the Royal Palace, and the surrounding landscape. Although the interior of the fortress is generally inaccessible to the public, its imposing exterior and historical context add to the allure of the site. Visitors can appreciate the fort's construction and imagine its past role in safeguarding the city.
The fort's enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide a unique perspective on Fez. It allows visitors to grasp the scale of the ancient Medina and appreciate the geographical setting of the city. The blend of historical architecture and expansive natural beauty makes Borj Sud a compelling stop for those seeking a broader understanding of Fez.
Maximizing Your Viewpoint Experience
While the fortress itself is often closed, the surrounding exterior provides ample space to wander and find your perfect vantage point. Take your time to absorb the different perspectives. You can see the intricate layout of the Medina, the distinct architecture of the Royal Palace, and the distant Marinid Tombs. The expansive landscape stretching towards the mountains provides a stunning backdrop, especially on a clear day.
Remember that the walk up from the Medina can be steep, so comfortable footwear is essential. Bringing a bottle of water is also advisable, especially during warmer months. While there are no amenities like cafes inside, the sheer visual reward of the view makes the effort worthwhile.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit