Meknes & Volubilis

Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the 4 Imperial cities of Morocco. However, of late, it has always been overshadowed by more popular tourist destinations…

Exploring Meknes and Volubilis

Only a short distance west of Fez, the fortunes of the small market town of Meknes took a dramatic turn when Sultan Moulay Ismail assumed power in the 17th century and chose it for his royal court. Huge palaces, harems, and miles of walls pierced with arched gates were constructed. After his death, the city’s influence seeped away, and earthquakes and rain reduced his massive works to subsiding mud-bricks: only the monumental gates hint at its former glory. A different period of history awaits at nearby Volubilis, one of the Roman Empire’s key Moroccan settlements. Among the remains of buildings and streets, the colorful and vivid mosaic floors are the real highlights.

Explore Meknes:

Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the 4 Imperial cities of Morocco. However, of late, it has always been overshadowed by more popular tourist destinations like Fez. In fact, nowadays, Meknes usually features as a side trip when one visits Fez and has some spare time to kill. But don’t let this touristy way of thinking get in the way of your itinerary. If you have time, make sure you spend a night at Meknes during your Morocco Tours.

Meknes is full of beautiful structures, and the best part is that they are just a walk away from each other. What is more special is the fact that because of tourists’ perception of Meknes, this place remains quiet, peaceful, and free from hordes of the crowd that one typically finds at tourist spots.

There are so many things that you can enjoy here starting from Bab Mansour, which is the ginormous gate that serves as an entry point to this city. The wood carvings and beautiful tile work make this one of the most beautiful gates in the whole of Morocco. Moving on, you should visit Place Hdim, which is the main quarter in the old city. Here, you can enjoy a nice coffee at the local cafes, and even savor some tasty Moroccan cuisine.

After a refreshing meal, you can head to the Dar Jamai museum which is again just a walk away from Place Hddim. The museum’s architecture is perhaps more beautiful than the stuff displayed inside!

Visit Volubilis: The Roman Empire Capital

Did you know that the Roman empire extended all the way to North Africa, up to Morocco? The ancient city of Volubilis is a testament to the Roman settlements because it is a city that houses the ruins of the Roman empire. It is also known for the beautifully preserved mosaic tile structures from the Roman era. If you are a history lover, or someone who loves to enjoy or photograph beautiful structures, then Volibulis deserves a place in your itinerary.

It is said that this ancient Roman occupation dates back to 225 BC! While the structures are in ruins, they are still magnificent as ever, showing the might that the Roman Empire once possessed. A lot of the magnificence can be attributed to the fact that these ruins have been maintained really well over the years. Due to the preservation of these historically important structures, UNESCO has granted world heritage sites to Volubilis.

You will be amazed to see the advancements in architecture even during ancient times. Town planning was done meticulously, and almost scientifically! Every structure is planned in a way that reflects the rich geographical knowledge that the Romans possessed with respect to planetary positions. You can see the huge bath and spa area, the tracks where chariots used to race, and the ginormous dining areas!

Volubilis is just a 2-hour drive from Morocco’s capital city Rabat. It also falls enroute Fez from Chenchaouen. So depending on which part of the country you are in, you can accommodate Volibulis in your plans. The Moroccan countryside is adorned with mountains and trees, making it a lovely drive from Rabat to Volubilis. Regardless of Volubilis during your Trip to Morocco, Volibulis is one place that should be etched well in your itinerary. Make sure that you visit this place to see how Roman architecture is preserved in a North African country, making it such a beautiful blend of Africa and Europe.