Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco, the largest city in the Moroccan Sahara, popularly nicknamed the “gateway to the desert.” It is located about $200$ kilometers south of Marrakech.

Its name, Ouarzazate, means “without noise” or “without confusion” in the Berber language.

HISTORY OF OUARZAZATE

Ouarzazate was founded in 1928 by the French, as a small Berber village, but it eventually grew due to its excellent location.

Currently, Ouarzazate is an important traffic hub in southern Morocco, and a major tourist center.

The city impresses not only with its buildings but also by being known as the Hollywood of the Desert.

It earned this title due to having some of the most famous studios in the region, some of which are open to visitors.

It was here in Ouarzazate that “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator,” “Kundun,” “Babel,” “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves,” “Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra,” “Cleopatra,” among other classic films, as well as the recent series “Prison Break,” were filmed.

WHAT TO DO IN OUARZAZATE

KASBAHS

Ouarzazate is famous for its beautiful examples of kasbahs, which were built in a unique architectural style. The ancestral construction technique uses a mixture of earth (adobe) and straw.

A Kasbah is the name of a fortified construction typical of the Berber people, used to allow the local population to shelter from wars, sandstorms, and any other possible threat. Some of these constructions have survived over the centuries.

Route of a Thousand Kasbahs: This is the famous route that includes several Berber villages, valleys, a vast palm grove, incredible landscapes, small oases, and, of course, the kasbahs. The route offers one of the most beautiful and unforgettable landscapes in Morocco.
Kasbah Taourirt: This is a residential earth castle, built at the beginning of the 20th century. This Kasbah is still very well preserved, and a third of it has been opened to the public for visits. Guided tours can be booked on site.
Kasbah Amridil: It is located south of Ouarzazate, in an oasis known for its palm grove. It was built in the 17th century and was inhabited until 1960. All its rooms have Moroccan-style decoration, making it possible to get an idea of the Kasbah’s past and Berber life.

KSOUR OF AÏT BENHADDOU

A Ksar (plural ksour) is usually larger than a Kasbah, approaching the size of a fortified village. The Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is considered by UNESCO as one of the best examples of this type of construction still in existence. Its façade is extremely well preserved, immediately catching the attention of visitors.

CINEMA MUSEUM

Another interesting attraction is the Cinema Museum, located in the center of Ouarzazate, opposite the beautiful Kasbah Taourirt. Statues, decorations, costumes, film equipment, and other items from previous cinematic productions are displayed here.

OUARZAZATE FILM STUDIOS

Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios, which can be visited as part of a guided tour, unless a movie is being filmed.

Atlas Corporation Film Studios: Holds the collections from films such as “The Mummy Returns” and various others with a desert-related theme. A guide will explain everything about the secrets behind each scene—something you surely always wanted to know!
CLA Studios: You can explore all kinds of impressive sets and accessories used for films like “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves” and some scenes from “Game of Thrones.”

AÏT BENHADDOU

This is a beautiful city of mud bricks, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, located about $30$ kilometers away. Built about $1,000$ years ago, this village still enchants with its unique setting. It is no coincidence that this location has also been the setting for many famous films.

FINT OASIS

This is an oasis that enchants with beautiful palm groves and a dreamy river landscape. The red rocks and mud structures provide a unique contrast. The people who live here are descendants of sub-Saharan African peoples and persist in preserving some traditions of their ancestors.

EL KELAAT M’GOUNA

El Kelaat M’Gouna, located in the Dadès Valley, is known as the country of roses. This is because this is where rose water is made. In May, the rose has a place of honor in a three-day festival held throughout the area.

SOUTHERN OASES ROUTE

The Drâa Valley, which stretches for almost $200$ kilometers southward, irrigates a narrow oasis where dates and henna grow. The Tissergate ksar is one of the forts that border the valley and houses a museum where everyday Berber handicrafts are displayed.

OUARZAZATE HANDICRAFTS

Ouarzazate is home to workshops for manufacturing and selling objects made of stone, ceramics, and carpets.

Carpets from Ouarzazate and the surrounding area are highly valued. They are characterized by an orange background, with blue, brown, yellow, or black motifs, following very complicated compositions made of silky wool.
Blankets are beautifully woven with goat hair, striped in black and white, with red and green details.
The typical Berber jewelry is made of inlaid or enameled silver, bracelets, pendants, and different types of necklaces.
Berber ceramics are simple, generally made with white clay. The decorative motifs are similar to henna hand decoration, plates, jugs, often large jars.
Cane handicrafts are used to manufacture natural headboards, decorative objects, armchairs, bookshelves, tables, chairs, and baskets.

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OUARZAZAT: THE GATEWAY TO THE DESERT