A bit of Rome and a lot of Islam

From Meknes, we took a couple of interesting excursions into the countryside. The first was to the ancient ruined city of Volubilis, around two thousand years old. The sight of columns crumbling amongst the hills and olive groves was amazing, and yet another reminder of the reaches of the Roman Empire.

The abandoned Roman city of Volubilis

The ruins copped another big hit in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake - what's left must be solid

The birds have found a good use for the remaining columns

Volubilis has beautiful views over olive trees and fields dotted with sheep - probably just what the Romans saw

Our other excursion was to the holy town of Moulay Idriss, the destination of many Moroccan Islamic pilgrims. We enjoyed wandering around the lanes and stairways of this interesting town, until we found a mysterious door, from which an endless supply of rats seemed to be emanating!

Moulay Idriss

The mystery door

The staggered streets wind their way up the hill