Haroune Aqueduct

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun lies an interesting sight: a double-tiered aqueduct with architectural features that resemble closely those of aqueducts built by the Ancient Romans.  This, alongside its proximity to the Ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, has led many people over the years to assume that it dates back to the time of the Roman Empire.

Far from it, the Haroune Aqueduct was built during the reign of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Abdel Aziz in the early 20th century. The aqueduct's primary purpose was, and still is, to transport water from the Ain Chanch spring to the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. The fact that it was modeled after Ancient Roman aqueducts is a testament to how effective this technology from thousands of years ago still is. 

In contrast to most real Ancient Roman aqueducts, this model is on the smaller side. It spans across a narrow section of the Oued Lkhammane river and is approximately 60 meters long. The lower tier consists of seven arches. The central lower arches are more than 2.5 meters tall, while those at either end, where the aqueduct meets the hills, are less than one meter tall. 

Following the contour of the two hills, the upper tier is much longer, and it has 14 arches. The Haroune Aqueduct reaches a height of approximately 10 meters at its tallest point. A view from the top of the adjacent hills will reveal the presence of modern water pipes carefully nested inside highest section of the aqueduct.

Two trails crisscross the course of the Oued Lkhammane and pass under the arches of the aqueduct. These trails are used regularly by shepherds moving their livestock up or downstream as well as by farmers carrying their produce on the back of donkeys.