Volubilis
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Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • suntan47
    Chelmsford, United Kingdom1,018 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An interesting visit
    Visited as part of a tour group . It was around 30c , our local guide kept us in the shade as much as he could . He made the trip interesting, giving us historical facts but bringing the site to life so you had to use just a little imagination to how it all would have been . Be sure to take water & a hat .
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 16, 2023
  • Alan B
    Tickhill, United Kingdom408 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit
    Really impressed with the amount of archeological remains that can be seen here. You really get a good idea of how big the settlement must have been and how wealthy some of the locals were. The mosaic floors are really special. Although many tours stop here the site didn’t feel crowded.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 15, 2023
  • LaJarrie
    Southampton, United Kingdom500 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a detour
    Worth a detour. We decided not to opt for a guide, as we knew we had loads of time to explore, and for us this was the right decision, as our visit took us some two and a half hours. We were able to wander round at our leisure, looking out for the ropes which indicated where the superb mosaics were lurking. However if you only have an hour, a guide might be your best option, so you get to see the main sights getting an explanation also. Make sure you take some water as there is none as you walk round - we were there in November, and it was still pretty hot. There’s an advantage with having some water with you, as we noticed one guide sprinkling a little on one of the mosaics which brought out the incredible colours. Some lovely views of Moulay Idriss in the distance.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 21, 2023
  • Frances B
    Yorkshire, United Kingdom2,413 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderfully preserved Roman ruins
    We drove from Meknes to Volubilis, which took around 45 minutes. Its setting is beautiful and was purposefully chosen when initially constructed due to its proximity to water, fertile land, its own micro climate, elevated view etc. For the visitor it is also located very close to the beautiful city of Moulay-Idriss. There is a large car park where vehicle wardens operate and who charge a nominal fee for parking there. There is also a souvenir shop/ cafe and ice cream shop located at the bottom of the road near to the car park. The entrance fee for a foreigner is 70DHS and 10DHS for a Moroccan, which personally I do not have a problem with. Once inside the grounds of Volubilis you follow the pathway that leads to the ruins. It is a very extensive site and exposed to the elements, particularly the hot Moroccan sun. Even when we were there the sun felt really warm. It is worth taking water with you. There are toilet facilities near to the main entrance. They are old and tired but they were staffed and presentable. We didn’t get a guide, choosing instead to meander around the site ourselves. There is a map located before you arrive at the ruins which we chose to photograph, this gives you an idea of what some of the buildings are. There are also information signs, both in Arabic, French and English that provide information on each of the buildings. We took our time visiting each of the ruins. We were lucky, it wasn’t busy at all and the few of us who were visitors that day were soon spread out across the entire site. There are some wonderful mosaic examples and the sophisticated lifestyle for a civilisation that existed so many years ago, was so impressive. It was also fascinating to discover that the city dates back to the 1st Century AD and is a fine demonstration as to just how far the Roman Empire stretched. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Volubilis for us it didn’t disappoint.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 23, 2024
  • markinmiami
    311 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive roman outpost in North Africa
    Had a great visit to those evocative ruins..sure they may not rival Pompeii (but which do?), but their location , their fascinating mosaics and their interesting history (used by Berbers, Christians & then the Islamic founders of Morocco, who built their first capital nearby) make a trip well worth it. We had a guide and it made it easier to see all the important sites within the city (and ask questions). Great experience!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 1, 2024
  • Bob H
    Watsonville, California1,146 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting
    This was one nice Roman ruin. If you need to use the bathrooms, the facilities were there; you need to pay up. The walk was uneven but doable for most people. The mosaics were the highlights of the visit. They were well preserved. We had a local guide who walked and talked throughout the area. You really need a guide to gain full appreciation of this place.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 28, 2024
  • Soudamini Mohapatra
    Bengaluru, India1,439 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting
    Volubilis is an archeological site in Morocco, can be visited on the way to Meknes-Fes. It was established in 3rd century BC, grew under the Roman rule from 1st century AD onwards. It was further taken over by the locals who occupied it for about 700 years, ultimately abandoned in 11th century AD. It was destroyed in the earthquake in the 18th century and the stones were taken away by the Moroccan rulers to construct building in Meknes. It was excavated by subsequent rulers and currently it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Compared to the other tourist places in Morocco, this one is very unique. Can be visited with a guide to get more information about the place.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 30, 2024
  • Lee K
    Prairie Village, Kansas1,109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see
    This is a spectacular place to visit. It dates back to 25 BC and existed for 300 years until climate change drove them away. A guide is highly recommended. Good walking shoes are a must. Hard to imagine 10;000 people lived there.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 18, 2024
  • Raintree_Thailand
    Bangkok, Thailand4,282 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    History slowly being uncovered!
    Volubilis is not all that well known by tourists, but has a fascinating history. The first-known settlements in the area were in the 3rd century BC. From the 1st century BC to 400 AD the area was settled by the Romans, who came inland to grow wheat and olives (the area was developed as the “breadbasket of the Roman empire”). The Romans driven out by local tribes in 285 AD and never retook the area. It was then inhabited by local tribes for another 700 years before being abandoned. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 caused considerable damage, leveling and burying many of the structures. The site has been excavated extensively by French and Moroccan archeologists, who believe there is much left to uncover at the site, including likely Roman ruins of a colosseum, hippodrome, etc. Already discovered is the huge triumphal arch/gate; part of the aqueduct, public baths, a basilica, and several luxury homes with ancient tilework. The triumphal arch and other structures were restored by French and Moroccans. The area was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997. The site can be very hot and there is little shade anywhere in the ruins site. Visitors should be sure to carry water. To fully appreciate the place, a knowledgeable local guide is strongly recommended.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 18, 2024
  • FTMDave
    Adria, Italy7,643 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible Roman town
    Volubilis is incredible. There are the remains of an entire Roman town, from the residence of the governor down to the homes of slaves. Useful explanations outside the buildings are in English, French & Arabic. The entrance price was 100 dirham. I took bus 15 from Meknes for Moulay Idriss for 7 dirham, got off at the roundabout before Moulay Idriss, and walked the 2.4 km to the site.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written July 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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David H
Alexandria, LA91 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This site trip proved to be a wonderful glimpse into the complex past of Northwest Africa. The Roman and pre-Roman presence left stunning ruins, neglected until French archeologists uncovered them during the colonial period. There are baths, triumphal gates, remains of a basilica and some astonishing (and exposed) mosaics. Our guide, a very knowledgeable man, gave the explanations in English (although we often asked for some information in French, which he spoke flawlessly). This is not handicap accessible, but well worth the side trip. The nearby town of Moulay Idriss is worth a visit as well although the mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

marftrip
Kernersville, NC339 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
Much of the history and info on this site are in the previous reviews, so let me add this. Guide books (several years old and in need of an update!) led me to believe signage was poor. That is not the case! All signs, including in the museum, are in French, English and Arabic. I found it very easy to wander around on my own and understand what I was seeing. Granted, I’m a historian and studied Roman history and town planning - but, with help from Google, you can certainly do this on your own and take your time. I enjoyed not being rushed, just being able to absorb the site’s atmosphere. And of course, there are guides available at the entrance. As others have said, you can simply hire a driver at your hotel, then a guide here if you choose. But this site is a really treat - to see so much of a Roman city still on site. Yes, parts of it have been reconstructed, but that’s normal at archaeological sites, the important point is that they acknowledge the reconstructed parts. This is well worth a visit, don’t rush!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eileen D
Montclair, NJ117 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
As an art history teacher, I was blown away by the condition of these ruins. The mosaics were in better condition, open to the elements, than some I have seen in major museums of the world. One can actually envision the city as it was in its Roman heydey. On a beautiful sunny, warm winter day in Morocco, it was a resplendent place to be.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelingElbys
New Jersey53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
UNESCO does a wonderful job guiding you through the ruins explaining what life was like and the nature of each of the houses and rooms inside. The dry climate has kept the original color of the beautiful floor mosaics intact. This site is worth a visit if you are travelling between Fes and Rabat. It is amazing how far the Roman empire extended.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FatTireDrifter
Saratoga, CA24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Visited while riding my bicycle around Morocco, this UNESCO World Heritage site was one of the specific points of my itinerary.
Some of the structures are well preserved. Expect to spend a couple of hours walking through.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Frances B
Yorkshire, UK2,413 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We drove from Meknes to Volubilis, which took around 45 minutes. Its setting is beautiful and was purposefully chosen when initially constructed due to its proximity to water, fertile land, its own micro climate, elevated view etc.
For the visitor it is also located very close to the beautiful city of Moulay-Idriss.
There is a large car park where vehicle wardens operate and who charge a nominal fee for parking there. There is also a souvenir shop/ cafe and ice cream shop located at the bottom of the road near to the car park.
The entrance fee for a foreigner is 70DHS and 10DHS for a Moroccan, which personally I do not have a problem with.
Once inside the grounds of Volubilis you follow the pathway that leads to the ruins.
It is a very extensive site and exposed to the elements, particularly the hot Moroccan sun. Even when we were there the sun felt really warm. It is worth taking water with you.
There are toilet facilities near to the main entrance. They are old and tired but they were staffed and presentable.
We didn’t get a guide, choosing instead to meander around the site ourselves.
There is a map located before you arrive at the ruins which we chose to photograph, this gives you an idea of what some of the buildings are. There are also information signs, both in Arabic, French and English that provide information on each of the buildings.
We took our time visiting each of the ruins. We were lucky, it wasn’t busy at all and the few of us who were visitors that day were soon spread out across the entire site.
There are some wonderful mosaic examples and the sophisticated lifestyle for a civilisation that existed so many years ago, was so impressive. It was also fascinating to discover that the city dates back to the 1st Century AD and is a fine demonstration as to just how far the Roman Empire stretched.
I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Volubilis for us it didn’t disappoint.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mohammed Safiani
Round Hill15 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
Last week I visited the Volubilis site with my family and friends that joined us from the U.S. The Volubilis ruins were worth visiting, especially for those who have never been there. First, As a Moroccan and U.S citizen. I was surprised and deeply shocked to find at the entrance all sink faucets broken, toilet bowls still having urine in them from other tourists that couldn't be flashed due to no running water, I paid 70DHM equal to $7 per person for 12 people. I had a big problem when I found out from a Moroccan tourist that he only paid 10 DHM, and because my group is American citizens we paid 70 DHM ($7) per person. To me, this translates to clear violation of people discrimination, and taking advantage of foreign tourists. There was no posted sign that indicated different prices for different visitors, and when asked the cashier at the gate about the rate charges and other issues that we experienced. His reply was ."'I'm only an employee that follows orders & directions from my government '' But he couldn't explain where all tourists' money goes. Also, The ruins weren't taken care of as opposed to. My question is. Where does all money collection from foreign tourists including Moroccan citizens go? This is my message to everyone to know what to expect if you decide to visit the Volubilis site.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alfredo M
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
Sorry about everything. It costs ten euros per person which in Morocco is money. A family with two kids, 40 bucks, almost nothing. After paying 10 euros in the service they have no water in the cisterns and do not intend to wash your hands because you are left with the tap in your hand.
The signs with indications some torn their contents and null the maintenance service of the ruins to visit . Everything full of grasses and the floor mosaics with a thick rope seem enough for no one to get inside. You can do whatever you want, no one will catch your eye there.
Not recommended.
Automatically translated
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy F
Devizes, UK1,291 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
My main feeling after visiting this interesting Roman site was one of exasperation. The efforts made to make the ruins accessible, and to preserve them, seem very ham-fisted to me. The paths around the place are in very poor condition and almost dangerous in places. The ruins themselves have been interfered with quite a lot - attempts at repair and reconstruction are obvious and clumsy. There's not much in the way of interpretation/ info boards. There are a couple of impressive mosaics, one of which has been heavily "repaired" and the other moved from its original position. Despite all this there's a fair bit to look at - the large entrance arch being impressive. If you've ever visited Pompeii or Hercukaneum, you'll be amazed at how poorly this place has been preserved for modern visitors.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

packedandready2go
California1,036 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Friends
If you have an interest in history or archaeology this ancient Roman city is well worth a visit. The guide provided at the entrance kiosk was excellent. The ruins were in good shape and our guide really added to our experience here.
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Volubilis, Meknes-Tafilalet Region

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