Exploring the Historic Heart of Moulay Idriss with Family

A Day of Discovery in Ancient Morocco

Today marked the beginning of our family's Moroccan adventure in the Moulay Idriss Region, and what a start it was! From the moment we landed in Fez and made our way to this historic area, I knew we were in for a treat. It's a privilege to share these experiences not just as a tour guide, but as a father and husband, watching my family connect with a culture so different from our own.

Our first stop was the mesmerizing Site Archéologique de Volubilis. Even Nilton, with all his youthful energy, was captivated by the sprawling ruins. As someone who spends his days walking the streets of Lisbon, narrating its history, I felt a profound connection to this place. It was like stepping back in time, wandering through the remnants of a once-thriving Roman city. I could almost hear the echoes of daily life, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, and the grand pronouncements in the basilica.


Discover the captivating ruins of Volubilis, where ancient Roman history meets stunning Moroccan landscapes in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Volubilis, a partly excavated Berber-Roman city near Meknes, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it flourished under Roman rule, becoming an important administrative and trading center. The fertile lands surrounding the city were ideal for agriculture, particularly olive growing, which brought prosperity to its inhabitants. The city was adorned with impressive public buildings, including a basilica, a temple, and a triumphal arch, testaments to its Roman grandeur.

The June sun beat down on us as we explored the site, but the beauty of the mosaics and the sheer scale of the ruins kept us going. Francisca, ever the artist, was particularly taken with the intricate designs of the mosaics, each telling a story of Roman life. Nilton, of course, was more interested in climbing the ancient walls and imagining himself as a Roman soldier. I had to remind him more than once to watch his step!

The stones of Volubilis whisper tales of Berber kings, Roman emperors, and Islamic saints, a testament to the layers of history that make Morocco so captivating.

After immersing ourselves in the Roman past, we drove to Moulay Idriss Downtown. The town is nestled between two hills, its white-washed buildings cascading down the slopes like a waterfall. It's a sight to behold, especially knowing its significance as one of Morocco's holiest cities. Founded in 788 AD by Moulay Idriss I, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, it was here that Morocco's first Islamic state was established. The city is named after him, and his tomb is a major pilgrimage site for Moroccan Muslims.


Experience the rich history and spiritual essence of Moulay Idriss Downtown, Morocco's sacred town nestled in the stunning hills of Zerhoun.

We wandered through the narrow, winding streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this sacred town. The air was filled with the sounds of daily life – children playing, vendors selling their wares, and the melodic call to prayer echoing from the mosques. It felt a world away from the bustling city of Lisbon, a reminder of the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our world.

One of the highlights of our visit to Moulay Idriss was finding a Small Terasse (view on the mosque). From this vantage point, we could see the green-tiled roof of the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss I, the shrine and mausoleum of the city's founder. Although non-Muslims aren't allowed to enter, the view from the terrace was enough to give us a sense of the spiritual significance of the place. The minaret of the Moulay Idriss Medersa, with its unique cylindrical shape, also stood out against the skyline, a testament to the blend of Turkish and Arab influences in Moroccan architecture.


Experience breathtaking views of the mosque at the Small Terrasse in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a must-visit for all travelers seeking serenity and stunning scenery.

For lunch, we stopped at Café Restaurant Ksar Pharaon, where we enjoyed a delicious meal of traditional Moroccan cuisine. The flavors were rich and exotic, a delightful contrast to the simpler fare we often have in Lisbon. Nilton, surprisingly, was quite adventurous with his food, trying everything from the tagine to the couscous. Francisca and I savored every bite, appreciating the care and skill that went into preparing the meal.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in the charming ambiance of Café Restaurant Ksar Pharaon in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.

In the afternoon, we ventured into The Anou Cooperative, a local shop where we could see artisans at work, creating beautiful handcrafted goods. I was particularly interested in the intricate woodwork, reminiscent of the craftsmanship I've seen in Cabo Verde. Francisca, with her keen eye for detail, admired the vibrant textiles and traditional clothing. We ended up buying a few souvenirs, small reminders of our time in Moulay Idriss.


Explore The Anou Cooperative in Fès for a unique shopping experience that supports local artisans and celebrates Moroccan craftsmanship.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Volubilis for dinner. The restaurant offered stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the rolling hills bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, a moment of peace and tranquility shared with my family.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we enjoyed some mint tea, the traditional Moroccan drink. Sipping the sweet, fragrant tea, I reflected on the day's experiences. We had journeyed through time, exploring the ruins of an ancient Roman city and immersing ourselves in the culture of a sacred Islamic town. It was a day of discovery, a day of connection, and a day that I will cherish forever.

We started our day with breakfast at SCORPION HOUSE, a delightful spot that set the tone for the adventures ahead. The morning was filled with anticipation as we prepared to explore the ancient wonders of this region.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Scorpion House in Moulay Idriss - a hidden gem serving delightful lunches amidst rich cultural heritage.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the spiritual heart of Moulay Idriss, visiting Le portail de Moulay Ismaïl باب مولاي إسماعيل and the Mausoleum of al-Hadi ben Issa, and Tombeau de Moulay Idriss 1er. We'll also be trying out some local eateries, including Haytam for breakfast, Grillade Albanna for lunch, and La Baraka for dinner. And if we have time, we might just sneak in a visit to DAR INES MOULAY IDRISS ZERHOUN for a taste of the local nightlife. It's going to be another day filled with exploration and discovery, and I can't wait to share it with you all.

As I sit here tonight, writing this blog post, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. It's moments like these that make life so rich and meaningful, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. And though I forgot my portable phone charger and sunglasses, the day turned out perfect.

This trip is more than just a vacation; it's an immersion into history, culture, and the simple joys of family. I hope you'll continue to follow along as we explore the Moulay Idriss Region and uncover its hidden gems. Until tomorrow!