Quick answer: Volubilis is Morocco’s best-preserved Roman city, famous for its mosaics and triumphal arch, about 1 hour from Fez. It combines perfectly with the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the imperial city of Meknes (30 minutes away) in a single day trip or on the way from Fez to Chefchaouen or Rabat.
North of Fez, rolling hills of olive groves hide two treasures: the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, both listed by UNESCO. Here is how to explore them.
Volubilis: Rome in Africa
Founded before the Romans and developed as a capital of the province of Mauretania Tingitana, Volubilis flourished in the 2nd–3rd centuries. Highlights:
- Beautiful floor mosaics in the Houses of Orpheus, of the Labours of Hercules and of Venus.
- The Triumphal Arch of Caracalla and the Decumanus Maximus.
- The Basilica and Capitol columns, often topped by storks’ nests.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1.5–2 hours; there is little shade, so bring a hat.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Just 5 km away, this holy whitewashed town houses the mausoleum of Idriss I, founder of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty. The panoramic viewpoint over the town is a great photo stop.
Meknes: the imperial city of Moulay Ismail
- Bab Mansour – one of the most beautiful monumental gates in Morocco.
- Place el-Hedim – the main square.
- Heri es-Souani – vast royal granaries and stables.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
- The medina – calmer and less touristy than Fez.
How to visit
- Day trip from Fez (about 1 hour to Volubilis, 30 min more to Meknes).
- On the way north: 2-day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen with Volubilis or 4-day private tour from Tangier to Fez.
- As part of the 6-day imperial cities tour.
Read our things to do in Fes, Rabat travel guide and see all tours from Fez.
Tours related to this guide
- 6-Day Imperial Cities Tour – Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez & Chefchaouen
- 2-Day Excursion to Chefchaouen with a Visit to Volubilis
- Private 4-Day Tour – From Tangier to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Volubilis from Fez?
About 80 km, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
How long do you need at Volubilis?
About 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main mosaics, the arch and the forum.
Can you visit Volubilis and Meknes in one day?
Yes. They are about 30 km apart and are often combined in a day trip from Fez, sometimes with Moulay Idriss.
Is Meknes worth visiting?
Yes. It is less touristy than Fez and Marrakech and has impressive monuments like Bab Mansour and the royal granaries.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.