One of the most amazing places to visit in Morocco are the Roman ruins at Volubilis located near Meknes between Fez and Rabat. One meaning of Volubilis is “sculpture” maybe because of the many sculptures that were present on this place. Another meaning of the name in Latin is “Morning Glory”.

Volubilis developed as a Phoenician/Carthaginian settlement from the 3rd century BC. In the 2nd century this outpost became one of the Roman Empire most far-flung. Some of the most noticeable buildings are the basilica, temple and triumphal arc.

Entrance Street

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Borxa Toxa via Flickr

Arch of Caracalla (Triumphal Arch)

The Arch of Caracalla is one of the most distinctive sights of this ancient city. It is located at the end of the city’s main street.

Arch of Caracalla (Triumpal Arch), Volubilis, Morocco 1

Image by jeremy Seto via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Irene Tejarachi Hess via Flickr

After the Romans, Volubilis continued to be inhavited for centuries. Arabs has arrived in 708 and changed its name to Oualila or Walīlī.

Roman Mosaic

VolubilisMorocco

Image by blueSkySunHigh via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by YoTuT via Flickr

In the Islamic period Volubilis remained to be the capital of the region. Islamic coints dating from 8th century have been found on the site of this ruins.

Plinth at Forum

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Chris Martin via Flickr

The City’s Basilica

The Basilica was used for the administration of justice and the governance of the city.

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Paul Barker Hemings via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Adamina via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Gregory Suzor via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by blueSkySunHigh via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Mark A Neal – HDR4real.com via Flickr

The Capitoline Temple

The Capitoline Temple is located behind the basilica and had been an arcaded courtyard.

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Mark A Neal – HDR4real.com via Flickr

In  1997 the archaeological site of Volubilis was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Ruins of Volubilis, Morocco

VolubilisMorocco

Image by yellow magpie via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by YoTuT via Flickr

VolubilisMorocco

Image by Adamina via Flickr