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All Morocco Haroune Aqueduct
AO Edited

Haroune Aqueduct

It turns out what appears to be an Ancient Roman aqueduct isn't so ancient after all.

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco

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Max Cortesi
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This ancient-looking aqueduct is from the 20th century.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
This ancient-looking aqueduct is from the 20th century.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
It may not be ancient, but it still gets the job done.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Old-school technology is sometimes really the best.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Aqueducts are still effective today.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
The aqueduct is on the smaller side.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
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About

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.

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Aqueducts

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The aqueduct can be approached by heading east on the Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Road, or it can be reached by following the bed of the Oued Lkhammane river, upon which the aqueduct is built. 

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Added By

Max Cortesi

Published

March 5, 2025

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Haroune Aqueduct
3F5R+WVC
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Morocco
34.059801, -5.507862
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Nearby Places

Volubilis Archaeological Site

Meknes, Morocco

miles away

Dar Jamai Museum

Meknes, Morocco

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Prison de Kara

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