Fes Trip Overview
Meknes, Imperial City, was once a key city and capital within the kingdom. Built as a Berber stronghold, from which the Khajarites overthrew their Arab rulers in the 8th century, it became the principal trading center for regional Berbers. Smashed by the Almoravids, the city slowly resurrected itself under the stewardship of Mly Ismail, brother of an Alaouite sultan. On his brother’s death, he took over the country and built a huge city, fit for a sultan, at Meknes.
Volubilis, a wonderful Roman site, and marked the full extent of Roman rule and power under Trajan – it was the western border of their Empire. Although archaeologists believe there were Neolithic and Phoenician settlements on the site, under Juba II, a Roman client-king, the town moved increasingly into the Roman orbit and was formally annexed by Claudius. Under the Emperors Trajan and then Septimus Severus the city flourished and many grand buildings went up.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 hours
* Starts: Fes, Morocco
* Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Fes, Fes-Meknes, Morocco
Meknes, Imperial City, was once a key city and capital within the kingdom. Built as a Berber stronghold, from which the Khajarites overthrew their Arab rulers in the 8th century, it became the principal trading center for regional Berbers. Smashed by the Almoravids, the city slowly resurrected itself under the stewardship of Mly Ismail, brother of an Alaouite sultan. On his brother’s death, he took over the country and built a huge city, fit for a sultan, at Meknes.
Volubilis, a wonderful Roman site, and marked the full extent of Roman rule and power under Trajan – it was the western border of their Empire. Although archaeologists believe there were Neolithic and Phoenician settlements on the site, under Juba II, a Roman client-king, the town moved increasingly into the Roman orbit and was formally annexed by Claudius. Under the Emperors Trajan and then Septimus Severus the city flourished and many grand buildings went up.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Meknes Medina, Meknes Morocco
Drive across the Saiss plain to Meknes: a medieval city rebuilt by the king, Moulay Ismail, in the 17th century to become his capital. Being one of the Imperial cities of Morocco, Meknes offers the visit of various monuments: El Heri Souani, the granary and the stables built by the soldiers of Moulay Ismail next to a huge reservoir; the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and its harmonious Moorish design; Bab El Mansour gate, the most beautiful in North Africa and an amazing combination of tile work. At the end of your visit take a walk to El Hdim square and visit its food market and the museum DAR JAMAI.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Meknes 50353 Morocco
Drive towards the mountain of Zerhoun to visit Moulay Idriss, the holiest town in Morocco where Idriss I is buried. This town is a pilgrimage destination where thousands of faithful Muslim Moroccans go once a year to pray on the tomb of this descendant of the prophet.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Meknes Medina, Meknes Morocco
Continue to Volubilis which is the most interesting place through which you will discover the Roman part of the Moroccan history. Built 2000 years ago, Volubilis was the capital of Morocco at the time when it was a Roman province. Here you will see how rich this part of the world was at that time from the different monuments of the city and the lovely mosaics that were discovered in the early 1900. Continue your drive toward Rabat for overnight.
Duration: 1 hour
