Volubilis Morocco means the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, near the city of Meknes in northern Morocco. It is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa, with a basilica, a triumphal arch and beautiful mosaic floors. This guide explains the history, what to see, how nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun fits in, and how to add Volubilis to your Morocco trip.
Volubilis Morocco: The Short Answer
Volubilis is worth a visit if you enjoy history, photography or quiet places far from the souks. It sits on a ridge above the Khoumane valley, below Mount Zerhoun, in the Fès-Meknès region. UNESCO describes it as an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the edge of the empire.
Volubilis Morocco: A Short History
The settlement began to develop in the 3rd century BC. It grew much faster from the 1st century AD, and at its late-2nd-century peak it covered about 42 hectares inside a wall of 2.6 km, with an estimated 20,000 inhabitants. Its wealth came mainly from olive growing, and Wikipedia describes 58 oil-pressing complexes that paid for the mosaic-floored townhouses you can still see.
Roman control ended around 285. Later, around 787 to 788, Idris I established the Idrisid dynasty here. His son Idris II moved the capital to Fes, and the site lost its political role. The 1755 earthquake that struck Meknes damaged the ruins badly, and stone was taken to build in Meknes. Excavations began in 1887 and about half of the site has been excavated.
Volubilis Morocco: What to See
The Basilica, Capitoline Temple and Arch of Caracalla
The most visible buildings are the basilica, the Capitoline Temple and the Arch of Caracalla, which was built in 217. The French restored some of these buildings, and Wikipedia notes that the restorations are controversial. Even so, the tall stone arches are a striking sight against the open sky.
The Mosaics and the Great Houses
The mosaics are the highlight. The House of Orpheus is known for its Orpheus mosaic, and the House of the Labours of Hercules for its mosaic of the twelve labors of Hercules. These houses belonged to the families that grew rich on olive oil, and walking through them gives a clear sense of daily life.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Near Volubilis Morocco
Close to the ruins, about 3 to 5 km by Wikipedia’s two figures, is the town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, built on two foothills at the base of Mount Zerhoun. It is named after Idris I, whose tomb is a pilgrimage site, and the mausoleum, with its green-tiled pyramidal roof, was rebuilt between 1719 and 1721 under Moulay Ismail. The religious complex is off limits to non-Muslims. The town itself was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and visitors could not stay overnight until 2005, but you can now walk through it, and the view over the rooftops is worth the stop.
Meknes and Fes Around Volubilis Morocco
Meknes is about 28 km from Moulay Idriss, and Fes is about 50 km. In Meknes you can see the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Heri es-Souani granary, and in Fes you can explore the old medina. To compare the big cities, read Fes vs Marrakech and Is Marrakech worth visiting.
Is Volubilis Morocco Worth It for Your Trip?
Volubilis suits travelers who enjoy history, photography and quiet sites, and it is a good break from the busy medinas. If you have only three days and want the Sahara, you may prefer to focus on the desert, and our guide to 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech shows that route. If you have a week or more, adding Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun gives your trip a deeper layer of history before or after the south.
How to Plan a Trip to Volubilis Morocco
Volubilis fits well into a northern route with Fes and Chefchaouen. Choose your season with the best time to visit Morocco, and decide the length of your trip with how many days you need in Morocco. For ready routes, see 7 days in Morocco and the 8 day itinerary.
Getting around is easy to plan with our guide to train vs bus vs rental car in Morocco, and our airport transfers guide helps you arrive. If you also want the desert, Fes to Merzouga shows how to continue south, and Morocco natural wonders lists more places to see.
FAQ: Volubilis Morocco
What is Volubilis?
Volubilis is an ancient Roman city near Meknes, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
How old is Volubilis?
It began to develop in the 3rd century BC and grew mainly from the 1st century AD.
Can I visit the shrine in Moulay Idriss?
The religious complex is off limits to non-Muslims, but you can walk through the town.
Is Volubilis worth visiting?
Yes, for history and mosaics. It works best as part of a northern Morocco trip with Meknes and Fes.
Want Volubilis added to a northern Morocco route? Message us your dates and we will plan it with you.
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More Navigate Morocco guides: Morocco natural wonders, Largest city in Morocco, Is Morocco in Africa, Morocco desert tour cost.
