Morocco’s archaeological sites – myths and legends
Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European cultural influences. Furthermore, Morocco is a country rich in history.
The vestige is numerous, bearing witness to the greatness of the past, whether it is before the Romans, Phoenicians, ancient or even prehistoric, going even to traces of dinosaurs or rock. Everywhere you go, it reflects the rich heritage of the country and promises you an enriching stay.
If like me, you are passionate about legends, myths, or even ancient histories, you will find in this article the archeological sites bearing witness to the past, that you must visit when you are in Morocco.
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
The Ksar of Ait- Ben-Haddou is a perfect synthesis of the earthen architecture of the pre-Saharan regions of Morocco.
It is located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas in the Province of Ouarzazate, the site of Ait-Ben-Haddou is the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley. The Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou is a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture.
Book your tour from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou here.
Volubilis, the Roman city
Driving information: 2 hours driving non-stops from Kenitra city / 79 miles (127 km)
Volubilis or Walili is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located near Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
Volubilis testifies to the many cultural influences in Morocco. It is also regarded as the main Roman ruins of Africa, moreover, there is evidence of a number of successive civilizations.
It was founded in the third century BC. Back then, it was considered as the capital of Mauritania which was later then occupied by the Romans with a total of 20,000 inhabitants.
The archaeological site of Volubilis is still a marvel for lovers of ancient architecture, the history of civilizations, and ancient ruins. Many of them are breathtaking such as mosaics, carved columns, oil presses, and various buildings.
Book your excursion for a day at Volubilis here.
Meknés
Meknes is located a few miles from Volubilis. This ancient city can also be considered as an archaeological site due to its most important monuments testifying to history.
The Moroccans think we should be thankful for this city because of Mulay Ismail, the Alawite sultan of the seventeenth century. Most of the imperial part of the city is also known as the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail when the capital of Morocco was transferred there.
It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kasbah is located in the South of the Medina. The most remarkable monuments are its walls and monumental gates. If the city seems recent, it is because of its continuous use since its construction, and therefore, it is properly maintained for visitors.
Book your excursion here to Meknes and Volubilis included and discover these ancient cities.
Lixus, garden of Hercules golden apples
According to Greek mythology, the city is part of one of Hercules’ 12 works, which involves picking golden apples from Hesperides garden.
The foundation dates from the time of the Phoenicians.
Lixus is located 4 miles (7 km) from the town of Larache on the Rabat-Tanger road. It is an ancient town that illustrates some aspects of ancient civilizations such as Carthaginians, Romans, and Muslims who have found refuge there.
There are ruins with mosaics representing Neptune, which is the god of living waters and springs.
Facts: In spite of the fall of the Roman Empire, Lixus remains inhabited, by the Moroccan people even after the conquest of Morocco.
Book your full-day tour here from Rabat to Lixus.
The necropolis of Chellah
Driving information: 12 min by car from Rabat city 1 mile from the center (2 km). On google maps, it indicates that it is temporarily closed so check before you go.
This site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012.
This Moroccan archaeological site was founded at the time of the Mauritanians. Later, the Romans occupied it and named it Sala Colonia. However, although few Roman ruins remain, Chellah is famous for its Muslim necropolis, which was completed in 1339.
The El-Badi Palace
Marrakech hosts one of the most beautiful Saadians eras.
South of the Medina, near the Kasbah district, are the Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs. These two buildings, formerly part of the same complex, date from the 16th century.
Despite its ruins, the castle impresses with its vastness. And I believe everything that grows old has a particular sense of history rendering it more beautiful. The hammam is well preserved compared to other parts of the Palace.
The Saadian tombs are intimately linked to the palace. They are the last resting place of the Saadian dynasty. The Saadian tombs are one of the best examples of 16th-century Moroccan architecture.
Banasa
The old town of Banasa was founded in approximately 30 B.C.by the Romans. It was quickly abandoned in the third century, the ruins of Banasa are located near the capital Rabat, on the banks of the river Sebou. Today, the Archaeological Museum of Rabat houses a number of mosaics and artefacts.
Only a few stones remain and one can easily imagine the greatness of this city which was then reserved for war veterans.
The Caves of Hercules
The Caves of Hercules are located 8 miles (14 km) west of Tangier. This amazing and magnificent archaeological site is mostly filled with mystery.
The view from the caves of Hercules is quite popular, but that’s not what made this place so famous. Indeed, if the caves of Hercules are a top tourist place in Morocco, it is because the site contains traces of a prehistoric occupation as well as an archeological mystery.
It is thought that Hercules was sent by his brother to Morocco and that he was the one who separated Africa from Europe. Hercule then decided to settle in this cave and he spent his time drawing the form of Africa.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a worth-visiting site as it is considered to be the Gateway to the Sahara Desert. The majority of Sahara Desert tours will pass through Ouarzazate either on the way or way back from Merzouga, the famous desert town.
You can go to Ouarzazate from Marrakech by car and it is 3 hours of driving nonstops.
Zagora
Zagora is a town located in the Draa River valley in the Moroccan region of Drâa-Tafilalet. On the base of the Zagora mountain, the remains of an Almoravid fortress can still be seen.
Zagora desert is located about 223 miles (360 km) away from Marrakech and to get there you have to make a journey of about 6 hours by road. I agree that it may seem like quite a long time to get there, but visiting this desert is perfect for a weekend getaway or a short 2-day 1 night getaway.
