Volubilis is an easy stop on the road from Rabat to Fez, passing through the town of Meknes, and a short distance from Moulay Idriss.
Descending the stone stairs into the archaeological complex, the UNESCO seal is affixed on the left-hand wall at Volubilis.
The Roman city, Volubilis, takes the name of a flower, the morning glory, which you can find all around the ruins.
Be sure to pack a hat, as there is not a lot of shade once you venture past the museum.
One of the major draws of Volubilis is the impressively preserved mosaic tile work. Local guides at the site carry bottles of water, in order to show the colors of the tile, which are more pronounced when wet. The mosaics depict scenes from daily life, as well as mythology. One house has a mosaic of an acrobat riding a horse backwards and a scene of a man fishing. In other houses, the tile illustrates scenes from mythology, like Hercules and his 12 labors. A prominent section of mosaic, featuring Medusa, is included in the 12 labors mosaic. The tile can be found in the homes of wealthy residents, and appears to be a direct correlation to the importance of the person who owned the house.
One of the houses contains a private bathhouse with mosaics decorating the cold, temperate, and hot water rooms. This house is referred to as the House of Orpheus because of the circular mosaic of Orpheus, surrounded by animals, playing a musical instrument.
Inside one of the preserved buildings is an oil press.
Typical of Roman construction, there is an aqueduct for the city, which supplies water for the public water fountain. The fountains were also used for laundry and horse drinking water.
The Triumphal gate is situated along the eastern end of the city. As you walk the main road into and through the city, look closely at the stone road. You will see grooves in the worn down cobblestones, from the chariot wheels on the road.
While I was exploring the ruins, a very persistent cameraman was running among the crowd and taking candid pictures of everyone he saw. I would turn a corner, and there he was; camera in my face. I imagine this is what it feels like to be followed by paparazzi. Needless to say, I was not a fan. I thought the self-proclaimed photo-documenter was just being creepy. But, I later found out that this is some sort of business, and the pictures are printed out and offered for sale.
If I knew what his true purpose was, I may have tried turning the tables and taking pictures of him. You know, waiting around corners to point my camera phone in his face. *snap* *snap* 😀
Returning to the museum, located at the entrance to the ruins, two levels of excavated artifacts are displayed. In addition to the artifacts of everyday life in Volubilis, the museum also houses original column segments and bronze statues.
There are restrooms at the museum as well, but be prepared to tip a dirham or two.