The Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis

When we booked our trip to Morocco, I knew there would be a lot to see and do but I didn’t expect to visit the edge of the former Roman empire.

Not far from Meknes – a city with an imperial past and stunning gates – you will find Volubilis.

This UNESCO-listed site dates back to before the Roman times and it is one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites.

Surrounded by mountains and fields, Volubilis was once a Berber settlement, before later becoming a strategic outpost of the Roman Empire.

It is the ruins of the Roman empire you come here to see. What struck me was how vast the site is and that is with only a fraction of the buildings properly exposed.

For perspective, the site today is about 20 hectares, half of its original size. Excavation teams are still working to uncover the other half.

It is believed nearly 20,000 people once called this city home!

According to historians, the remains of Volubilis remained essentially intact until an earthquake in the mid-18th century caused it to crumble. Stones, marble, and other building materials were then scavenged for buildings in Meknes.

Remnants of ancient palaces complete with stunning floor mosaics that have stood the test of time. Among the ruins, you will find statues, a bathhouse and an aqueduct, making this an impressive site to visit.

The ruins seemingly appear in the middle of nowhere. This is probably why Volubilis is still considered one of the Roman Empire’s most remote outposts.

Volubilis was a wealthy city and a centre for olive production, the oil was then exported to Rome together with wheat and olives.

The sites to look out for are the Mosaic test of Hercules, arch of Caracalla and the temple of Jupiter.

Given this is Morocco, don’t be surprised if you spot a donkey or two hiding among the ruins and sprawling olive groves at Volubilis.

We travelled with a tour group but have heard stories that the entry is hard to find on your own – and we had the added bonus of the guide explaining a bit more about the story behind the ruins which really brought the history to life for me.

If you visit the site solo, near the entrance, you will find official guides offering services in many languages.

We spent the best part of two hours exploring the ruins and didn’t even cover half of the site. Pack water and a hat, especially if you are visiting in summer.

Even if you aren’t stopping at Meknes, Volubilis is easily accessible from Fes as well and from my point of view, it is definitely worth the trip.