布日卢蓝门(Bab Bou Jeloud)落成于1913年,是非斯(Fes)老城最具代表性的地标。这道大门并非真正的千年古迹,而是法国殖民时期在12世纪旧城门原址旁重建的摩尔式拱门。它位于非斯古城(Fes el Bali)的西侧入口,全天候免费向行人开放。作为进入世界文化遗产保护区的门户,它不仅承担着交通枢纽的功能,更通过其独特的双色瓷砖装饰,展示着这座古老城市的宗教与文化审美。
很多游客会误以为眼前的宏伟建筑有上千年历史,其实目前的布日卢蓝门距今只有111年。它的三个对称马蹄形拱门采用了典型的摩尔式风格,这种风格在北非和西班牙南部非常常见。如果你仔细观察,会发现蓝门旁边还有一道不起眼的、呈现古朴土黄色的小门,那才是始建于12世纪的原始城门遗迹。当时的城市规划者为了方便日益增长的交通需求,才在旧门一侧修筑了这座装饰华丽的新大门。说真的,这种新旧并存的景象正是非斯最迷人的地方。
这座大门的颜色藏着不少讲究。面朝老城外侧的一面镶满了深蓝色的马赛克瓷砖,这种颜色被称为非斯蓝,是非斯陶瓷工艺的代表色。当你穿过拱门回头再看,会发现朝向老城内部的一面变成了绿色。在当地文化中,绿色代表着伊斯兰教,也象征着繁荣与和平。这种一门双色的设计意在提醒进城的每一个人,你正在从现代世界跨入一个被信仰保护的古老地界。这种强烈的色彩对比在清晨阳光照射下尤为醒目,是摄影师们最喜欢的取景瞬间。
想要拍出没有路人遮挡的大全景几乎是不可能的,因为布日卢蓝门是几万名非斯居民每天进出老城的必经之路。不过在日落前半小时,夕阳会直接打在蓝色瓷砖上,让原本深邃的蓝色泛出金光。由于大门朝向西面,这个时间段的光线最为柔和且富有立体感。如果你能忍受早起,清晨七点左右也是个好时机。那时候古城刚刚苏醒,运送物资的驴子成群结队地通过拱门,那种生活气息比单纯的建筑特写要动人得多。
大门内外布满了各种咖啡馆和露台餐厅,商家往往会热情地招揽你上楼看风景。钱的问题得算清楚,这里的餐食价格通常是老城深处的两倍,而且口味极其平庸。如果你只是为了俯瞰蓝门拍照,点一杯15至20迪拉姆的薄荷茶坐坐就够了,没必要在这里吃正餐。想要寻找地道的塔吉锅或者库斯库斯,建议沿着老城主路往里走上两三百米,那些隐藏在巷子里、当地人扎堆的小馆子往往更有惊喜。记得随身带点零钱,非斯的餐馆大多不接受信用卡支付。
穿过布日卢蓝门后,你会立刻面临两条岔路:大塔拉路(Talaa Kebira)和小塔拉路(Talaa Seghira)。这两条街是非斯古城的脊梁,几乎所有的重要景点都分布在这两道斜坡的两侧。大塔拉路左侧分布着许多历史悠久的经学院,街道相对宽敞;小塔拉路则挤满了手工艺品店和香料摊位。这两条路最终会在老城中心的卡鲁因清真寺附近汇合。对于第一次来的人,我建议顺着大塔拉路走下去,逆着小塔拉路绕回来,这样基本能把老城最精华的商业和人文景观逛个遍。
布日卢蓝门不仅是步行的起点,也是非斯交通最便利的地方。大门外就是巨大的广场,这里是出租车和公交车的集散地。如果你想去梅里尼德王朝陵墓看日落全景,在广场直接打车只需要不到10迪拉姆。此外,蓝门附近保留了一段相对完整的古城墙,沿着墙边走走可以避开老城内部嘈杂的人群。对于容易迷路的人来说,记住蓝门的位置就相当于记住了回家的路,因为几乎所有的当地路牌都会标明前往此处的方向。老城内有九千多条小巷,一旦走丢,花几块钱请个带路的小伙子,直接说出布日卢蓝门的名字就能安全返回。
不需要购买门票。它是一座全天候开放的市政建筑和交通要道,任何游客和本地居民都可以免费自由通行。如果你遇到有人以此为借口索要费用,那一定是骗局,直接无视并走过去即可。
从非斯火车站(Fes Railway Station)出发,最方便的方式是乘坐红色的小型出租车(Petit Taxi)。路程大约3公里,打表费用通常在10到15迪拉姆之间。如果司机不愿打表,一口价20迪拉姆也是可以接受的范围,车程约10分钟。
官方并没有设置行李寄存处,但蓝门附近的许多里亚德(Riad)旅馆提供行李寄放服务。如果你不是住客,也可以尝试和附近几家大型餐馆或纪念品店协商,通常支付20至30迪拉姆即可存放几小时,但务必带走贵重物品。
最好的全景角度在广场西侧的几家餐厅露台上,比如著名的 Café Clock 虽然不在门边,但附近的 La Kasbah 等餐厅露台可以平视整个拱门。如果是在地面拍摄,建议在大门外侧斜对着拱门的方向取景,可以将非斯蓝的瓷砖和门内的老城动感同时拍进画面。
Esmaa Alariachi It is one of the "doors" to the old medinah of Fes. And it has a parking garage and nice restaurants and cafés.
Travel Satoshiko Discovering the Magic of Bab Boujloud Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate, is an iconic and breathtaking entryway into the heart of Fez, Morocco. This magnificent gate, adorned with intricate blue and green tiles, instantly captivates visitors with its stunning artistry and historical significance As you pass through Bab Boujloud, you are transported into a bustling world of vibrant souks, aromatic spice markets, and centuries-old architecture. The energy here is palpable, with the lively chatter of merchants and the rich scents of Moroccan cuisine filling the air. It's a true feast for the senses One of the most remarkable aspects of Bab Boujloud is its ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new. While the gate itself is a testament to Morocco's rich history, the surrounding area is a thriving hub of culture and commerce. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor. Whether you're an avid history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking to soak in the local culture, Bab Boujloud is a must-visit destination. It's not just a gateway to Fez; it's a gateway to the soul of Morocco
Aqeel Rasheed Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate, is an absolute must-see in Fes! Built in 1913, this stunning entrance to the Fes el-Bali (Old Medina) features beautiful Moroccan tile work, with blue on the outside and green on the inside. The intricate design is simply breathtaking. This area is buzzing with activity and culture. Just beyond the gate, you'll find yourself in a maze of narrow streets filled with markets, traditional workshops, and historic sites like the Bou Inania Madrasa. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy delicious Moroccan food. Bab Boujloud is the perfect starting point for exploring the medina. Its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere make it a highlight of any trip to Fes. Highly recommended!
Rasheed TK Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Bab Bou Jeloud, the iconic blue gate marking the entrance to the medina. Arriving by taxi in the evening, I was immediately struck by the dramatic effect of the setting sun illuminating the ornate blue and green tiles of the gate—a perfect start to my exploration. The area inside Bab Bou Jeloud was bustling, filled with the vibrant energy of both locals and tourists navigating the crowded streets. The lively atmosphere was palpable, with street vendors selling a variety of traditional Moroccan goods and the sounds of daily life echoing off the ancient walls. The blend of historic architecture with the dynamic street scene created a vivid tableau of Moroccan culture. Visiting Bab Bou Jeloud at this time of day was particularly magical. The golden hour light brought a warm glow to the place.
Vic Cano You haven’t been to Fes if you haven’t been in this area. 😉 The different colors of the sides of the gate has symbolism in it. Worth exploring with a guide who’s a local and who has a passion for arts and history. Lucky we got a great one.