10 most important archaeological sites in Morocco

Morocco, an ancient land, is home to countless historical sites. While some are widely recognized, others remain hidden treasures. Here, you’ll discover the top 10 archaeological sites in Morocco.

Often overlooked, Morocco is a place with thousands of years of history. From prehistoric times to the present day, through the Mauritanian, Almohad, and Saadian periods, many civilizations and cultures have left their mark on this land.

Some of these archaeological sites are well-known and seamlessly blend into the cities, like the grand palaces of Marrakech or the imperial city of Meknes. Yet, others are more secretive, tucked away in the countryside, waiting to be uncovered by those passionate about history and exploration!

Cities, towns, and ports

Volubilis

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• Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Volubilis is probably Morocco’s most important archaeological site. Volubilis is the ancient capital of the old kingdom of Mauritania. Founded in the 3rd century BCE and then occupied by the Romans from the year 44, Volubilis enjoyed its glory days until the 3rd century.
• For centuries, according to the accounts of travelers of the time, the site was rather well preserved. Unfortunately, it suffered heavy damage after an earthquake in the 18th century. Under the French protectorate in Morocco, the French found traces of Volubilis and cleared the ruins to make it, a few decades later, a large-scale archaeological site.
• Volubilis is accessible because it is located near the city of Meknes. The best-preserved buildings are the Capitoline Temple, the Basilica, and the Triumphal Arch. There are also some mosaics. Although little known, Volubilis is a rare witness to a very important period in Moroccan history.

Meknes

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• Located a few kilometers from Volubilis, Meknes is also an archaeological site in Morocco. Its archaeological riches are today the city’s most important monuments.
• Many of them are due to Moulay Ismail, the 17th-century Alaouite sultan. At the time when the capital of Morocco was transferred there, most of them were part of the imperial city of Meknes, also called the kasbah of Moulay Ismail.
• Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kasbah is located south of the Medina. Its most remarkable monuments are its ramparts and monumental gates. If the city appears recent, it is because of its continuous use since its construction and, therefore, continuous maintenance.

Lixus

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• Located on a hill near Larache and the mouth of the Loukkos River, Lixus is an archaeological site in Morocco. The foundation dates back to the Phoenician era.
• Although the Phoenician origins are now beyond doubt, it was during the Roman era that Lixus became one of the most important cities in the region. All the ruins were uncovered during excavations carried out in the 20th century. Among these ruins are thermal baths, temples, the 4th-century ramparts, and mosaics.
• Despite the fall of the Roman Empire, Lixus remained inhabited, even by the Arab people after its conquest of Morocco.

Banasa

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• The ancient city of Banasa was founded around 30 BCE by the Romans. Quickly abandoned in the 3rd century, the ruins of Banasa are located near the capital Rabat, on the banks of the Sebou River.
• Today, only a few stones remain and one can easily imagine the grandeur of this city which was then reserved for war veterans. One can recognize the forum, a basilica, the Capitoline temple, as well as streets.
• Despite its early abandonment, many objects and mosaics were able to be recovered. They are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Rabat. A must-see for those who love ancient ruins.

Thamusida

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• Thamusida is an archaeological site in Morocco that was founded by the Berbers. Located a few kilometers from Banasa, the two cities have a shared history. They were notably abandoned at around the same time by the Romans, in the 3rd century.
• Today, Thamusida enjoys an ideal setting, on the banks of the Sebou River. It is a pleasant place for a walk. As for the ruins, cleared by the French at the beginning of the 20th century, they are unfortunately few and maintained. It is difficult to recognize which building a wall or ruin belonged to.
• The objects that were found there are now kept at the archaeological museum in Rabat.

Archaeological complexes

Rirha

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• Among the archaeological sites in Morocco, Rirha is one of the least documented. Today, archaeologists know that it dates from the Mauritanian period and that it disputed the status of capital with Volubilis. Above all, they wonder if Rirha corresponds to the city of Gilde , which is mentioned in the texts.
• Throughout history, the Romans occupied the city and expanded it, before abandoning it at the turn of the 4th century. In the 9th century, the Arabs settled in Rirha before also abandoning it in the 14th century. Between the 4th and 9th centuries, the fate of Rirha is unknown.

Cromlech de Mzoura

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• The Cromlech de Mzoura is a unique place in North Africa. Among the archaeological sites in Morocco, it is the only megalithic, that is to say, made up only of stone constructions. Located south of Tangier , its conservation is good.
• For the record, the Romans made it a legendary place, the tomb of a king defeated by Hercules ! What is certain is that, regardless of the subsequent occupations of Morocco, the site remained as it was. This is why its dating is complex.
• In the 20th century, the site was excavated several times, which damaged it. Today, the tallest preserved megalith measures 5 meters in height and the locals call it el outed (the stake in Arabic).

Palaces and necropolises

El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs of Marrakech

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• Some people must wonder what Marrakech is doing among the archaeological sites in Morocco. The city is not known for its ruins! However, Marrakech is home to some of the most beautiful from the Saadian era.
• South of the Medina , near the Kasbah district, are the El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. These two buildings, which were once part of the same complex, date from the 16th century and the time of the wealthy Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour. Although it is in ruins, the palace impresses with its immensity. Some annexes are well preserved, such as the one housing the hammam.
• The Saadian Tombs are closely linked to the palace. They are the last resting place of the Saadian dynasty, including the famous Ahmed al-Mansour who even has his own personal mausoleum! The Saadian Tombs form one of the best examples of 16th-century Moroccan architecture.

Chellah (Colonial Hall)

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• Chellah is located near Rabat. This archaeological site in Morocco was founded in the Mauritanian era. Later, the Romans occupied it and named it Sala Colonia. However, although rare Roman ruins remain, Chellah is famous for its Muslim necropolis, the construction of which was completed in 1339.
• The necropolis is rather well preserved. Its ramparts are almost intact, its gate is sublime and the 13th-century minaret is still standing. Chellah is a superb testimony to the era of the Merinids .
• Today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chellah is a popular site for visitors.

Phoenician Tombs of Tangier

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• The locals have made it a place to meet. However, the Phoenician tombs of Tangier form a fairly important archaeological site in Morocco. Unfortunately, their state of preservation does not live up to their testimony.
• These tombs have the particularity of being carved into the rock and offer a breathtaking view of the sea. Today, the Phoenician origin of the tombs is debated. Recent research shows a Roman origin. In any case, it is a unique and astonishing place that will delight history and mystery enthusiasts!

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