Monthly Archives: November 2015

Volubilis, Morocco

Volubilis was a Roman ruin 32 km from Meknes or 70 km outside of Fez. Records states that it was first established dating from 3rd century BC. Volubilis grew under the Roman rule and its prosperity derived from olive growing, prompted the residents to construct many fine houses with large mosaic floors which the floors still stand today.

The town fell to local tribes around 285 AD and was never retaken by Rome. People continued to live there for more than 1,000 years. Volubilis was first abandoned in the 18th century, when it was demolished in order to provide building materials for the construction of the palaces of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Archaeological Site of Volubilis.

For more than 2,000 years, the ruins of Volubilis is a sight to behold.

A 2,000+ year old mosaic floor still maintaining its colors in the open.

Our team of inspectors on site.

Pillars still standing.

The ruins from afar and near.

Village in front of Volubilis archaeological site..

Nice landscape heading to the ruins.

Morocco is an agriculture country.

Driving route from Meknes to Volubilis and thereafter to city of Fes.

Meknes, Morocco

After having a good overnight’s rest in Rabat, our second day itinerary is heading to the historic city of Meknes. Founded in the 11th century, Meknes is surrounded by high walls with great doors to protect itself against its enemies. It is one of the four imperial cities in Morocco located in northern Morocco about 130 km inland from the capital of Rabat. Meknes was once the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail.

Entering the ‘gated’ city of Meknes.

A Kasbah within the walled city of Meknes.

Bab (door) Mansour, finished in 1732 is the largest and most striking of Meknes’ 27 gates. It’s directly across from Place Hedim, the medina’s main square.

Mosque in the Kasbah.

Place Hedim square in-front of the Kasbah.

To the left of the square, there is a souq selling spices, sweets, souvenirs, etc.

Within the Kasbah, you’ll find the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the ruler who made Meknes the capital of Morocco. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the tombs which hold the body of Moulay Ismail and other relatives, they can view it from the entrance door.

Within the Kasbah, you'll find the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the tombs which hold the body of Moulay Ismail and other relatives, they can view it from the entrance door. Photography is permitted.

Entrance to the mausoleum.

A highly photographed door within a courtyard towards the mausoleum.

Fountain within the mausoleum.

Our guide, Mr Ahmed in-front of a typical Moroccan designed tiled wall.

Route map from Rabat to Meknes.

La Tour Hassan Hotel, Rabat, Morocco

For unknown reasons, our hotel in Rabat is not the one as stated in our itinerary. Our guide promised that we will like the alternate hotel, La Tour Hassan. True to his promise, this hotel is fantastic. We had stayed in many hotels in many cities and La Tour Hassan Hotel is one of the up-scale hotels we like. It is rated 5 stars by bookings.com customers and I can vouch for that.

We only stayed overnight but I would have no problem staying for a week. There are so many amenities this hotel offers. If we were not on a tour package, we would not have known about La Tour Hassan hotel.