Things to see and do Middle Atlas

In the northeast district of Volubilis, the homes of the rich patricians, including that of the house of Venus, were located. Around the main patio, we find the bedrooms and reception rooms. It is not possible to enter the interior, as the corridors are paved with mosaics reminiscent of Berber carpets, but a platform outside allows you to contemplate several mosaics. The two most beautiful and well preserved masterpieces are undoubtedly the paved representations of Diana and Acteon, as well as the magnificent mosaic of Hylas removed by the nymphs.

This is the most colossal building in Volubilis, with a surface area of 1,000 m². The basilica did not have a religious function, as one might think, but a judicial one, where the central nave housed the courts. This kind of public place is found in all Roman cities. It is likely that the various administrations of Volubilis, including the Curia, the municipal council, were located here. The basilica and the Arc de Triomphe were the only two monuments still standing when the site was discovered at the end of the 19th century.

Stretching from the triumphal arch to the gate of Tangier, Decumanus maximus, the main street of the city, are a wide paved path of 400 m, bordered by the houses of the richest inhabitants.

This architectural treasure merinid is in the grocers attarine) (hence the name of the medersa. Facing the mosque, this El-Karaouiyine medersa of rather modest size, for 60 students, was founded by Merinid in the 14th century. It is without doubt the monument most richly decorated with the city, with its zelliges is very elaborate, its plaster and carved covering all the upper floor of the walls. The wooden ceiling with carved cedar of the prayer room is a masterpiece of the time.

The carpenter and cabinetmaker sector (nejjarine in Arabic) is certainly one of the most beautiful urban and architectural complexes in Fez. With its 17th century fountain decorated with zelliges, Nejjarine Square offers a pleasant stop after a long stroll. At the bottom of the square, the Nejjarine foundouk, which was in use until the beginning of the 20th century, is worth a visit. The carpenters' souk is an opportunity to appreciate the work of craftsmen carving wood. Going along the museum on the left, you reach the Sidi Moussa tannery, which is smaller than the one in Chouara.

Great mosaic where Bacchus is perfectly preserved. On the other hand, it is only Distingue's legs, and a single leg of Ariane. One of the most touching mosaics.

The location could not have been better chosen to install the first museum specialising in woodworking arts and crafts: an old 18th century caravanserai, magnificently restored and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the three levels, one discovers the know-how and dexterity of the craftsmen through several examples of use of Moroccan woods, on different themes. On the first floor, masterpieces of Fassie cabinet making are on display. Possibility to have a drink on the terrace, which reveals a beautiful view of the medina.

This vast residence, once three storeys high, is accessed through two sections of stone walls topped by a slab to form a doorway, to the left of which is engraved the inscription: Maison d'Orphée. The atrium is on the right, and the main mosaic shows Orpheus charming animals (elephant, horse) with his lyre. Unfortunately, this mosaic is not complete and part of the circle has been covered with cement. On the left as you enter, a beautiful complete mosaic representing nine dancing dolphins.

One of the best preserved mosaics, always on the left along the Decumanus.

The mausoleum is located a few dozen meters above the main square. Take the alley that passes under an arch. At the entrance, the beam (about 1.50 m above the ground) reminds you that you should not venture any further if you are not a Muslim and forces you to bow as a sign of respect if you are. The mausoleum was restored in the 19th century by Moulay Abd er-Rahman. Hassan II donated the gold and silk fabric on which the coffin was built in 1978.