The city of Ta’izz lies in the south at an altitude of 1400m (4590ft). The old city has been all but swallowed up by the fast-growing modern city around it but beautiful old houses and mosques remain within the line of the 13th-century city wall, which is still intact along the southern side. To the north, only the gates of Bab Musa and al-Bab al-Kabir remain. The southern wall offers a splendid view of Ta’izz. Al-Qahera, within the city walls, is the fortress and the oldest part of the city. Al-Ashrafiya and al-Mudhaffar are two of the most beautiful mosques in Yemen. The museum in the Palace of Imam Ahmed contains the personal effects of the last Imam, and has preserved the spirit of Yemen from before the beginning of the Republic. The Salah Palace, to the east just outside the city, is another museum of the royal family. The Souk Ta’izz sells a variety of goods, including silverware and carpets. Mount Saber is 18km (11 miles) from Ta’izz and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Ta’izz basin. A heavy-duty vehicle is needed to drive to the top. The mountain rises to an altitude of 3000m (9840ft) and the weather can be very cold.