The Middle Atlas: Volubulis, Fes and Ifrane (Part 5 of 6)

The short trip to Fes was our second - and least time consuming - drive.  Much needed after our five-day southern affair, the smooth, fast highway from Rabat to Fes was as much a welcome change of pace as it was a change of sites.  Roman ruins, tanneries, authentic arms museums and my future university dominated the visit and speckle the following slideshow...

The highway rolled into the Middle Atlas' foothills, our third chain in as many days.

Farming Equipment was replaced by less-intrusive fair along the roads.

Moulay Idriss, overlooking the nearby Roman Ruins.

Volubulis: Roman Ruins NW of Fes

(Click here for more on Volubulis and Moulay Idriss)

The path up to Volubilis.

Part of the Basilica.

The remaining path up to the Tangier Gate.

Not to outshine the asparagus-like cactus, these flowers covered the grounds.

The public square and market area.

The city's old main arch. 

In the House of Hercules, a mural catalogues his 12 Feets of Strength.

One of the more preserved statues, also in the House of Hercules!

The Four Seasons Mosaic.

Fes: Morocco's Cultural and Religious Center

(Click here and here and here for more on Fes)

One of Fes' Many Fountains.

Part of the Old Medina and Cemetery.

The Medrasa Bou Inania, with its Minaret.

The Water Clock, out of commission since the 1500's.

The Small Tanneries.

If you can't take the smell, have some wintergreen "nana."

Most of the leather of the day was from goats.

The Wood-Workers' Alley was a new site; settled next to the big mosque, these pieces are produced for rental during weddings.

Inside the Oldest University in the World, the 9th Century Qorayine Mosque is now the Country's second-largest place of worship behind the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

Megan with some 15th century knight-less armor.

Dad providing "scale" upon mother's request at the Arms Museum.

Part of the refurbished display in the Moroccan section of the Arms Museum.

A saddle that any of us wished was mounted atop our camels a few days prior.

Relaxing atop the Borj Nord and Arms Museum, taking in the view of Fes' Old Medina.

Next to the Museum, the Merined Tombs host their own wildlife...

...More Baby Sheep.

Ifrane: The Country's Most Modern University Sits an Hour South of Fes

Ifrane's infamous Red, pitched Roofs.

Mom and Megan in front of Ifrane's Lion.

Ifrane in the Distance...

One trip left to Tangier and the north, and it concludes tomorrow!