Volubilis

The well preserved Roman town of Volubilis, surrounded by lush countryside at the foot of Jebel Zerhoun, is one of the finest and most romantic archaeological sites in the country.  The berbers call it « Oualili” after the oleander flowers covering the nearby, and usually dry, riverbed.  A guided tour of the highlights usually takes about an hour but it’s certainly worth spending a few hours strolling among the monuments.  There are several Roman villas to explore named after the mosaics found in them.  The largest is the House of Orpheus with fine mosaics of Orpheus with his lyre, of dolphins and of Amphitrite, wife of Neptune and Goddess of the sea.  The mosaics are remarkably preserved.  Visit also nearby Moulay Idriss – Morocco’s holiest city.  Although the main attraction, a tomb, is closed to non Muslims who are also not allowed to spend the night in the village, its beautiful alleys and narrow streets are well worth a visit particularly combined with nearby Volubilis.