Who knew the Romans made it to Morocco?
There are several Roman sites in Morocco but the best known, and most extensive, is the ancient city of Volubilis, about an hour and a half drive from Fes. Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites.
First settled in the 3rd century BC by the Berber people, Volubilis became a Roman provincial capital in the 1st century, sitting at the centre of a significant agricultural area that produced olive oil, grain, and wine. It is believed to have had around 20,000 residents at its peak, a significant population for a city on the fringes of the empire. Local tribes took over Volubilis in 285 and it was inhabited for another 700 years, before being abandoned in the 11th century. The ruins stood largely intact until an earthquake in 1755 damaged much of the site. Excavations began in 1887 but mostly took place during the French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. Today, Volubilis is renowned for its impressive ruins, including stunning mosaics, public buildings, triumphal arches, and private residences, surrounded by a scenic landscape of olive groves and wheat fields.
Highlights of Volubilis
Volubilis is spread across a wide area of about 42 hectares and, although much of the city lies in ruins, several key landmarks are well-preserved.
The Arch of Caracalla is one of the most iconic landmarks in Volubilis. Built in 217 CE, in honour of the Roman Emperor Caracalla and his mother, Julia Domna, the arch stands at the southern end of the city and would have been the entrance to the main thoroughfare.

The Capitoline Temple was the key religious site in Volubilis, dedicated to the three main Roman gods - Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Today, only the foundations and columns remain in an elevated position that offers views across the surrounding countryside.
Adjacent to the Capitoline Temple is the Basilica, which served as the city’s administrative and judicial centre. It overlooks the forum where markets would have been held.

Although the ruined buildings are impressive, Volubilis is perhaps best known for its stunning mosaics that once adorned the floors of the city’s most prestigious homes.
The House of Orpheus was a Roman villa that contained several detailed mosaic floors, including a stunning depiction of the mythical musician Orpheus charming animals with his lyre.
The House of the Labours of Hercules features a beautiful mosaic of the twelve labours of Hercules (the twelve tasks assigned to Hercules as penance for killing his wife and children) and another of the four seasons.
In the ruins of the House of Ephebe, you can see a mosaic of Bacchus, in a chariot pulled by leopards, while the House of Venus depicts Diana.
Another must-see villa is the House of the Athlete, which has a light-hearted mosaic of an athlete riding a donkey, facing backwards, while carrying a cup.

Your guide will point out other interesting features of the site, including a comprehensive aqueduct system that delivered water from a nearby spring to the city, including to the public baths. And don’t miss the remains of ancient olive presses, evidence of the importance of Volubilis as a centre for olive oil production.
Need to know
Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am until an hour before sunset.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee is currently 100 MAD (approximately 10 Euros).
Guided tour: Local guides, knowledgeable about the history of Volubilis, wait at the entrance and can be hired for an additional fee. Having a guide at Volubilis really brings the ruins to life. Expect a guided tour to last between 1 and 1.5 hours.
What to Bring: The site is in the open air and has little shade, so make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially in the hotter months. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the terrain is rocky and uneven.
Facilities: There are public toilets at the entrance and a small cafe, La Corbeille Fleurie. Otherwise, plan to eat lunch in nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoune or Meknes, before or after your visit.


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