Improvement of the Volubilis Archaeological Site: An Ambitious Plan to Preserve and Develop Cultural Heritage
The Volubilis archaeological site is undergoing a comprehensive development project supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and the Regional Council of Fes-Meknes. It consists of five main axes aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of the archaeological site. The unveiling of this plan coincided with the 23rd edition of the Volubilis International Festival of Traditional World Music.
The first axis focuses on improving visitor reception infrastructure, including the development of the main entrance and the cultural heritage interpretation center, as well as providing essential services and facilities such as a researcher’s house. This project will require an investment exceeding 1.732 million MAD to support the site.
The second axis includes reorganizing the site entrances, including parking areas and the economic zone with kiosks, shops, and the surrounding park. It also involves creating an event space, improving lighting and signage, and managing rainwater and the memorial garden, with a cost of up to 4 million MAD from 2024 to 2026.
Additionally, a tourist path will be developed, including the creation of visitor pathways and the enhancement of lighting and directional signage at a cost of 1.5 million MAD between 2024-2025.
The project also plans to secure the site by establishing a 3.5-kilometer fence and a video surveillance system costing over 5.4 million MAD, along with the restoration of three major monuments in Volubilis for 4 million MAD, including the Tanger Gate, the Decumanus Maximus Gate, and the mosaics depicting the Labors of Hercules.
Yassine Lamghari, the curator of the Volubilis site, emphasized the importance of these projects, which are part of the ministry’s strategy to preserve this archeologically, culturally, and historically significant site for Morocco, particularly Meknes.
These projects aim to facilitate visitor access to the site, enhance the tourist experience, including accessibility for people with disabilities, ensure the site’s security, and restore some of its prominent monuments.
