Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Location: Meknes, Morocco
Year of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);
Overview: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is a well-preserved ancient Roman city located in the fertile plains of northern Morocco. It was established in the 3rd century BCE and remained an important center of commerce and culture for over 500 years. The city's ruins include many well-preserved examples of Roman architecture, including triumphal arches, basilicas, and the remains of luxurious private residences. Volubilis is also notable for its many intricate mosaics, which depict a variety of scenes from everyday life, as well as mythological and religious figures.
Prominent Features: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is home to many impressive examples of Roman architecture, including:
History: The city of Volubilis was founded by the Berber people in the 3rd century BCE and later became an important center of Roman culture and commerce. It was situated at the intersection of several important trade routes, which helped to make it one of the wealthiest cities in North Africa. The city was abandoned in the 11th century CE following a period of political instability and social upheaval.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of the ancient city and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived there. The intricate mosaics that decorate many of the city's buildings are particularly fascinating for children.
Fun Fact: The city of Volubilis was used as a filming location for several scenes in the hit HBO television series "Game of Thrones."
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Site of Volubilis is 70 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 7 USD) for adults and 30 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 3 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is located approximately 33 kilometers north of the city of Meknes. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Meknes to reach the site.
The easiest and most affordable way to get to Volubilis is by taking a bus. There are regular bus services from Meknes and Fes to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is the closest town to the site. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a local bus to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the city of Meknes, including hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Riad Yacout, the Riad D'Or, and the Riad Palais Didi.
Next Stop: Medina of Fez
Year of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);
Overview: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is a well-preserved ancient Roman city located in the fertile plains of northern Morocco. It was established in the 3rd century BCE and remained an important center of commerce and culture for over 500 years. The city's ruins include many well-preserved examples of Roman architecture, including triumphal arches, basilicas, and the remains of luxurious private residences. Volubilis is also notable for its many intricate mosaics, which depict a variety of scenes from everyday life, as well as mythological and religious figures.
Prominent Features: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is home to many impressive examples of Roman architecture, including:
- The Triumphal Arch: This grand arch was built in the 3rd century CE to commemorate the Emperor Caracalla's victories over the Parthians and the Germans.
- The Capitoline Temple: This temple was dedicated to the Roman gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, and was built in the 2nd century CE.
- The Basilica: This large public building was constructed in the early 3rd century CE and served as a center of commerce and government.
History: The city of Volubilis was founded by the Berber people in the 3rd century BCE and later became an important center of Roman culture and commerce. It was situated at the intersection of several important trade routes, which helped to make it one of the wealthiest cities in North Africa. The city was abandoned in the 11th century CE following a period of political instability and social upheaval.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of the ancient city and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived there. The intricate mosaics that decorate many of the city's buildings are particularly fascinating for children.
Fun Fact: The city of Volubilis was used as a filming location for several scenes in the hit HBO television series "Game of Thrones."
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Site of Volubilis is 70 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 7 USD) for adults and 30 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 3 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Archaeological Site of Volubilis is located approximately 33 kilometers north of the city of Meknes. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Meknes to reach the site.
The easiest and most affordable way to get to Volubilis is by taking a bus. There are regular bus services from Meknes and Fes to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is the closest town to the site. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a local bus to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the city of Meknes, including hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Riad Yacout, the Riad D'Or, and the Riad Palais Didi.
Next Stop: Medina of Fez