MOROCCO: Roman Ruins and Blue Cities in Northern Morocco

If you didn't know there were Roman ruins in Morocco, don't be embarrassed, neither did I. 

Volubilis, in north western Morocco, was founded in the 3rd century B.C. 

In the 1st century A.D., under Roman rule, it expanded dramatically and became an important outpost of the Empire. 

It was located in fertile land that was perfect for agriculture and far from the chaos of Ancient Rome. 

Volubilis was an exotic paradise in the Roman Empire.

Now, the ruined Roman city is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. 

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

It is believed that the 42-hectare walled city was once home to 20,000 residents. 

Their wealth was generated from the surrounding fertile land, most specifically, from olive production. 

The prosperous city supported many grand public hammams, triumphal arches, and administrative buildings. 

The judiciary basilica was the tribunal of the city and the meeting room for the Romans. It was built between 193 and 235 AD. It overlooked the forum where the markets were held.

The Triumphal Arch welcomed victorious soldiers home. 

We had a great local guide that would bring things to present day. He described this entrance gate as the "original Arc de Triomphe".

The long main street supported luxurious homes and markets with stones indicating the shops contents.

It wasn’t just the public buildings which were striking. Even the houses of the wealthy residents were imposing structures with large mosaic floors.

Volubilis' most amazing features are the many beautiful mosaics preserved in situ. 

The Romans abandoned Volubilis in 285 AD when it was considered too hard and not important enough to defend from local tribes. 

The city was inhabited for many more centuries and wasn't completely abandoned until the 11th century, when its residents moved to new Islamic cities like Moulay Idriss and Fez. 

As the people abandoned the city many of the stones that had been used to build Volubilis were looted to build new cities, magnificent palaces and landmarks, especially in Meknes.

In 1755 the Lisban Earthquake destroyed what was left of Volubilis. 

About 3 hours north of Volubilis, is the city of Chefchaouen. 

Chefchaouen is located at about 600 metres above sea level (2,000 ft) in the foothills of the Kaʻala mountain in the western part of the Rif mountain range. 

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a Berber kasbah to defend against Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. 

Then, during the Spanish Inquisition thousands of Jews fled Europe and many ended up settling in Chefchaouen.

The old medina has Moroccan and Andalusian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes. 

As to why the city is blue is based on several theories. One theory is that the Jewish settlers painted all the walls blue because it reminded them of the sky and the presence of God.

Another version says that Chefchaouen became the blue city in an effort to repel mosquitoes and prevent malaria.

Then there is the idea that the various blue shades help cool the city off during the summer. 

None the less, the tradition stuck, and the tourism dollars have helped to support it. Each year the terracotta-tiled houses are washed with new coats of paint.

No point in arguing with success!

Definitely a different pace in the mountains than in the big cities and a great place to catch our breath.