Exploring ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis with ITChicTravels
Volubilis, Morocco. I especially enjoy visiting places off the beaten path. About 30 minutes north of Meknes, surrounded by lush farm lands in the middle of nowhere lies ancient Roman ruins.
Wait? What? Yes, you read that right. Roman ruins in Morocco?? Yup!
The ruins are open 7 days a week from 8.30 am till an hour or so before sunset.
It costs adults 10Dhs and children under 12 3Dhs to enter.
Getting There
We made this a day trip from Fes. Volubilis can be accessed by public transportation with a few transfers in about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, for a more seamless experience, we recommend hiring a private driver who can also take you through the holy city of Moulay Idriss on the way.
Pro Tip: Hire a local guide at the entrance. They speak multiple languages and can point out the intricate details of the mosaics that you might otherwise miss.
What to See
The site is vast, and you could easily spend half a day wandering. Don't miss the House of Orpheus, known for its incredible floor mosaics, and the Capitoline Temple which stands as a testament to Roman engineering in North Africa.
As you walk through the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, you can almost hear the echoes of the bustling city that once was. It's a surreal experience to see Roman architecture surrounded by the rolling green hills of the Moroccan countryside.