Did you know there are Roman ruins in Morocco? Well, neither did we! (Who knew that?!). But in fact the Roman empire once stretched as far as Morocco. And today you can see one of the last Roman outposts and visit the historic city of Volubilis.
We had been traveling in Morocco for three months already and we hadn’t heard about Volubilis until we got to Rabat. We met a local family who showed us some photos and said we must visit.
We almost didn’t; but I am very glad we did!
Volubilis is a beautiful historic site in Morocco. And there is just something about Roman ruins that feel like a real privilege to visit and to wonder at what life would have been like then.
If you have time in Northern Morocco – near Fes, or Meknes – be sure to add a day trip to Volubilis to your Morocco itinerary. We highly recommend a visit!
- History of Volubilis
- Roman rule in Morocco
- Restoration
- Things to look out for at Volubilis
- How to get to Volubilis
- Opening hours
- Tickets
History of Volubilis
Volubilis is easily one of Morocco’s most significant places of archaeological interest.
Although it’s now been more than a millennium since people lived here, there’s still plenty that remains of Volubilis. The ancient city is part of UNESCO’s protected sites. And Morocco has done well to preserve the city as well as it has been. You can see beautiful columns and well-preserved mosaics.
Historians can trace community life back to Volubilis dating from the 3rd century BC(!) in what was then the Mauritanian Kingdom. At that time, the settlement was small but it was an important one and strategically located with a defensive wall protecting what was then estimated to be around 12 hectares.
In the 1st century AD under Roman rule this part of the country was annexed. The settlement grew dramatically and was later named as the capital of the province Mauretania Tingitana.
Volubilis expanded to cover over 40 hectares with a basilica, a temple and triumphal arch (you can see this today!).
For any of you Gladiator fans out there you will like this part. Because in 168 AD under the reign of Marcus Aurelius the Roman city of Volubilis continued to thrive. The city made its wealth producing olive oil and selling the crops from their land.
And a new defensive town wall was built with forty towers and eight monumental gates. The buildings were structurally impressive with ornate designs and large mosaic floors.
Volubilis under Roman rule
The Romans only stayed at Volubilis until late 200 AD when they left abruptly. Perhaps at this time it was getting too hard to defend the city against local tribes. And the dynamics of new Islamic dynasties brought change to North Africa.
However, the city remained inhabited up until the 11th century when Volubilis was abandoned and the last residents moved to nearby Moulay Idriss, Meknes and Fez.
After Volubilis was deserted, even the name and the history of the mighty city were forgotten. Locals came to belive the site had been buiolt by ancient Egyptians and called it, “Ksar Faraoun” or “Pharaoh’s Castle”.
The remains of the city were ransacked and materials were carried south to the new imperial capital of Meknes.
And then finally, in 1755 an earthquake destroyed what was left of Volubilis.
Excavations and restoration at Volubilis
Excavations began in 1887 by French archaeologist Henri de la Martiniere and have continued up until the present day.
- Tip: Many artefacts from the ancient city are on display at the Archaeological Museum in Morocco’s capital, Rabat.
Restorations have been underway since 1887. And while some of the buildings and structures have been reconstructed – the Triumphal arch, the basilica and the Capitoline temple – more than half of Volubilis remains unexcavated.
Things to look out for at Volubilis
Volubilis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Today, it contains one of the finest Roman basilicas in Africa. The ruins that remain are known for the vibrantly coloured floor mosaics, different bathhouses and there is even part of an aqueduct that can be found among the ruins.
- Triumphal Arch: Built to honour emperor Caracalla the arch towers high above the ruins at the western end of the Decumanus Maximus – the main street of the city. You can’t miss it!
- Basilica: Completed in the 3rd century, the basilica governed the city and administered justice. The basilica was reconstructed in 1965.
- House of Venus: This was once the most opulent house in Volublis with beautiful mosaics that can be viewed from the walking path.
- Capitoline Temple: Dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. You can climb the 13 steps to the massive Corinthian columns.
Visiting Volubilis
It’s easy to spend an hour or two wandering around the historic streets of this ancient city. Including the fact it does take about 40 minutes’ drive from Meknes, you really do need at least half a day dedicated to visiting Volubilis.
How to get to Volubilis
If you are exploring Morocco by motorhome then you are in luck. It’s easy to drive to Volubilis, park outside and visit.
The site of Volublis is in the north of Morocco about 50km west of Fez and 20km north of Meknes.
The closest town is the small settlement of Moulay Idriss, only 3km away.
If you are traveling overland in Morocco or by public transport, then in Meknes you can catch the bus to Volubilis (bus number 15) from Meknes to Moulay Idriss. Or you can take a Grand Taxi (shared taxi) to Moulay Idriss and either walk or catch a local taxi from there.
From Moulay Idriss you can walk to Volubilis (about 30 minutes).
- Fes to Volubilis: 1 hr 26 min (82.7 km) via N4
- Rabat to Volubilis: 2 hr 22 min (172.5 km) via A2
Opening hours
Volubilis is open 7 days/week from 8:30am until an hour before sunset.
Tickets for Volubilis
The entrance fee is 70 MAD for adults and 30 MAD for children. And in my opinion; totally worth it!
There is parking onsite and a small kiosks with basic souvenirs, ice creams and drinks.
There is something about Roman ruins that encultures a sense of wonder; wherever in the world you visit them. So don’t miss the amazing Roman ruins of Morocco. Enjoy Volubilis!
More useful links for your travels in Morocco and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Hostelworld– The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about Morocco
- Taking the vehicle ferry from Spain to Morocco with your motorhome.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- A guide to campsites in Morocco.
- Visiting the famous Guelmim Camel Market.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
