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Voubilis/ Walili Roman Ruins Tour
Volubilis One-Day Tour: Exploring Morocco's Roman Legacy
Volubilis, also known as Walili in Arabic, was once the administrative center of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana. Founded in the 3rd century B.C., it became a significant outpost of the Roman Empire, adorned with magnificent buildings that reflected its importance. The city's strategic location and fertile lands made it a crucial center for the production and export of olive oil, wheat, and wild animals for gladiatorial spectacles in Rome. Despite suffering destruction from an earthquake in the late 4th century AD, Volubilis saw reoccupation under the Abbasids in the 6th century. Today, its extensive ruins constitute one of Morocco's most significant archaeological treasures.
Key historical points:
- Volubilis was established as a Carthaginian settlement
- It later vecame a Roman colony under Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD)
- Reached its golden age during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD
- Abandoned by Romans in 285 AD but continued to be inhabited by local tribes
- Briefly served as the capital of Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty
Tour Details
- Duration: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Transportation: Luxury 4x4 with English, French Speaking Driver and Guide
- Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel in Fès
Tour Itinerary
After breakfast, embark on a two-hour journey from Fès to the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis.
Exploring the Roman Ruins
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, famously featured in Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Temptation of Christ"
- Admire the well-preserved mosaics depicting Roman mythology
- Explore key structures:
- The Capitoline Temple
- The Basilica
- The Triumphal Arch of Caracalla
- The House of Orpheus with its dolphin mosaic
- Learn about daily life in Roman Africa from your expert guide
Understanding Volubilis' Importance
Your guide will explain:
- How Volubilis functioned as the final stop on Roman imperial roads
- The city's role in exporting commodities like grain and olive oil to Rome
- The transformation of the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city
Enjoy a light lunch at the café near the ruins before continuing your exploration.
The Open-Air Museum
- View altars, sculptural fragments, and colorful mosaics
- Cross the bridge over the Fertessa stream to explore residential and industrial areas
- Appreciate the panoramic view of the green plateau and the triumphant aqueduct
Visit to Moulay Idriss
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, often simply called Moulay Idriss, is a sacred town nestled in the rolling hills of northern Morocco, about 28 kilometers from the city of Meknes and 62 kilometers from Fes. Named after Moulay Idriss I, the founder of Morocco's Idrisid dynasty, this picturesque town is revered as the country's holiest city after Mecca and Medina. The town is built on the slopes of two hills, giving it a distinctive silhouette and offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and the nearby ruins of Volubilis. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is famous for its gleaming white buildings, narrow winding streets, and the green-tiled pyramid roof of the sanctuary that houses the tomb of Moulay Idriss I.
Until 1912, the town was closed to non-Muslims, and even today, it remains an important pilgrimage site. Visitors to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun can experience a slice of authentic Moroccan life, explore its rich history, and witness the deep spiritual significance it holds for many Moroccans.
On the return journey to Fès, stop briefly in the holy city of Moulay Idriss:
- Enjoy a panoramic view of Volubilis from one of Moulay Idriss' twin hills
- Learn about the city's significance as the burial place of Idriss I
- Understand its status as the second holiest city in Morocco after Mecca
Cultural Note
During the Fès Festival of Sacred World Music each June, visitors can enjoy concerts amid the ruins of Volubilis, blending ancient history with contemporary culture.
Book your tour to this extraordinary site and step back in time to the grandeur of Roman Africa.
