Moulay Idriss

Moulay Idriss or Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is located north of Meknes and is considered the holiest city of Morocco.



Understand
It was here that Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam, and starting a new dynasty. In addition to founding the town named after him, he also initiated construction of Fez, continued later by his son, Moulay Idriss II.

The town is compact, and its narrow streets will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time in the medinas of other Moroccan cities. Just off the main square is the Mausoleum of Idriss I, a sacred destination that is open only to Muslims. It is said in Morocco that six pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss during the annual festival honoring the saint is equivalent to one Haj to Mecca. Also of note is the round minaret at another mosque in town, the only one in Morocco. The ruins of the Phoenician and Roman city of Volubilis are located 5 km away. Moulay Idriss I took many materials from here in order to build his town.

By bus
Local bus #15 from Meknes is a convenient option, 7 dirham. You can catch it at the roundabout near the Grand Taxi Stand&mdash;check the Meknes City bus website for all the stops.

There are two daily buses on Meknes–Chefchaouen route, they can drop off passengers at roundabout leading to Moulay Idriss on request, it's about 3 hours to Chefchaouen.

By grand taxi
Can be found in the large taxi rank opposite the French Institute (Institut Francais) in Meknes. A single seat in the grand taxi costs 10 dirham (Dec 2015) and the drive takes around 30 min.

By private taxi
They should be around 300-350 dirham with the driver waiting while you peruse the site.

By tour
Alternatively, there are organised coach tours running from Fez and possibly Meknes to Volubilis. Just ask your local tout.

Get around
Everything is actually walkable. The remaining 2.4 km between Moulay Idriss and Volubilis can be covered by foot or taxi (40 dirham). If coming in by bus or grand taxi, get off at the along the "highway", when the vehicle turns towards the Moulay Idriss.

Volubilis
Entrance fee: 100 dirham, 8:30 – one hour before sunset. (Note, at the north end, there is no ticket stand.)

Volubilis is one of the main tourist sites to visit in Morocco. It's a partly excavated Roman city with UNESCO World Heritage status, listed for being "an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire".

The houses found at Volubilis range from richly decorated mansions to simple two-room mud-brick structures used by the city's poorer inhabitants. The city's considerable wealth is attested by the elaborate design of the houses of the wealthy, some of which have large mosaics still in situ. They have been named by archaeologists after their principal mosaics (or other finds):



Do
The hills around Moulay offer numerous opportunities for hiking and photography. The fertile plain of the Saiss Valley spreads out beneath the town, and olive groves dot the countryside.

Walk up to the "grand" terrace. This is a spot which gives you a great view over the town, fantastic spot to watch the sunset if you are staying overnight. To get there walk almost into Mausoleum and then in the tunnel part take a left and wiggle up the hill, to begin with you can follow signs for Scorpion House. If you get lost there are plenty of locals and children especially who you show you the way for a small price.

Sleep
There is a small selection of hotels, but most travelers do this as a day trip from Meknes.

Stay safe
There is hardly any shade so bring a hat and water since it can get very hot.

Go next

 * Fes
 * Meknes