Meknes is one of the 4 imperial cities in the country. It was founded by Almoravides in the 11th century and became the capital under Moulay Ismail’s rule, the second king of the Alaouite dynasty. Moreover, Meknes, which is encircled by lush lowlands at the base of the Middle Atlas Mountains, depends on a plethora of crops including fresh fruits, wheat, and olives to survive. The more laid-back attitude of Meknes makes it the ideal place to browse ceramics, needlework, pottery, and vividly colorful silk threads to buy as souvenirs, despite the city lacking the busy ambiance seen in Marrakech and Fez.
Right next to Meknes is Moulay Driss Zerhoun, situated on top of mount Zerhoun and overlooks Volubilis. After the death of Idris the first, his tomb was placed in a mausoleum and the town annually has a Moussem ( religious festival) every august to celebrate Moulay Driss the first. Volubilis, an ancient Berber-Roman city founded in the third century BC, was the capital for different kingdoms like Mauretania and it expanded under the Romans hence the remaining Roman ruins aesthetic. The site is today a UNESCO world heritage site. Therefore, Volubilis Meknes & moulay Driss Zerhoun are the trio to be visited on your next trip to Morocco.
Excursion to Volubilis Meknes & Moulay Driss Zerhoun from Fez
Our Volubilis Meknes & Moulay Driss Zerhoun excursion will take you around the 3 different sites; starting with a visit to the impressive historical sites of Meknes, such as Bab El Mansour, Sahrij Essouani, the royal stables, the granaries, and the underground monuments. Followed by a visit to Moulay Driss Zerhoun, the holy village before heading towards Volubilis, the Roman ruins, to discover the ancient history of the Roman Empire, and witness the magnificent ruins and majestic surviving gates all while traveling through hills, green plains, and fascinating sites.