Away With The Steiners

Volubilis: Did you know there are Roman ruins in Morocco?

Sarah Steiner

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

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. 

How to visit Volubilis Morocco and how to get to Volubilis Fes.
Roman ruins (with no one else around!).

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. 

Take the time to wander (and wonder).

Excavations and restoration at Volubilis 

Excavations began in 1887 by French archaeologist Henri de la Martiniere and have continued up until the present day.   

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. 

The triumphal arch at Volubilis was built in honour of the emperor Caracalla.
Incredible (and incredibly well-preserved) mosaics.

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.  

Getting a little bit off-track but there is much to see.

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).  

The town of Moulay Idriss in the background.

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. 

Ticket prices and timing for Volubilis.

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. 

Read more about Morocco

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