Volubilis

Set in the middle of a fertile plain, ancient Volubilis is Morocco’s best preserved archaeological site and is UNESCO-listed. Established by the Berber people in the 3rd century BC, it grew exponentially under the Romans, becoming rich from olive oil – you can still see the olive groves around the city and the ancient olive presses dotted around within it. It is from this prosperity that Volubilis’ most famous sights came into being – mosaics. The ones here are particularly remarkable because they have been preserved in situ; popping into many of the houses you’ll find them on the floors and walls, some in excellent condition, depicting scenes of Roman folklore. 

 

Wandering among the ancient columns, looking out over the plain, is wonderfully atmospheric with, as it is only half excavated, an intriguing air of mystery. As you explore, keep an eye out for Galen’s Thermal Baths, where you can see the workings of the advanced underfloor heating used in the hammam, and pop by the small museum to see some of the celebrated finds, including bronzes.