-webp.webp "Ait Ben Haddou")
Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou, perhaps the most photogenic of all the Moroccan historic sites, stands as the ultimate showcase for traditional earth architecture. One of Morocco's four royal cities and the gateway to the Sahara Desert, this fortified village, known as a ksour, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary Moroccan sight to visit. With its striking clay towers, impressive cinematic vistas and long history, Ait Ben Haddou should definitely be one of the sights to discover when touring southern Morocco and what to see in Morocco.
Experience the enduring charm of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Located in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, one of the most preserved traditional Moroccan villages, is a breathtaking historical site, constructed entirely of adobe (mud, straw and earth). The narrow alleyways, fortified walls and multi-storied houses (kasbahs) are built in the shape of a fortified village (ksar) and the overall silhoue is a spectacular landmark of Moroccan architectural heritage. It was built in an era before the modern villages grew below the slope where these kasbahs have been erected in a defensive posture with a Ksour to shelter the inhabitants, stores of food etc. The village comprises traditional homes, granaries and watchtowers that have stood the test of centuries of existence and remain some of the most celebrated nature attractions in Morocco as well as a great historical and cultural landmark along the ancient trans-Saharan trade routes.
Visit a famous film location in Morocco
International acclaim, Ait Ben Haddou kasbah has gained from being one of the most famous film locations in the world. Its dramatic desert backdrop and ancient architecture has long served as a movie backdrop for film productions. Hollywood, in particular, has utilized the majestic kasbah as a preferred set to tell a plethora of tales, thus becoming one of the most visited sites for film photographers and one of the most exciting tourist attractions and destinations in Morocco. The site also attracts those pursuing photography tours and exploring movie locations around the country. It has been said that moving through the ancient village makes you feel as if you have been transferred into one of the films shot there and each corner holds the history and lore of some remarkable tale.
Discover Berber Heritage and traditional desert living
Beyond the aesthetic of the kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco is a living symbol of Berber culture and traditional ways of desert life, despite the fact that most of the families have now moved to the more modern villages built in close vicinity. However, a part of it still exhibits the essence of historical importance and traditional cultural heritage. In Ait Ben Haddou, one gets to learn the methods and procedures of how ancient structures were built, see some of the traditional artisan shops, and understand the culture of the Berber people who once navigated through the Sahara trade routes. This aspect also places the kasbah amongst the most inspiring tourist spots in Morocco for those with a passion for history. The surrounding areas boast spectacular views of the palm groves and the stark desert terrain as well.
Enjoy picturesque views and desert landscapes around Ait Ben Haddou
The vicinity of Ait Ben Haddou is characterized by some of the most astonishing natural desert landscapes in all of Morocco. Bordering the Ounila Valley, the ksar is flanked by a dramatic array of rugged, arid mountain ranges and hills that seem to change color from the beginning of the day until dusk. Sunrises and sunsets around this part of the desert are nothing less than heavenly as the warm hues fall upon the imposing kasbah making for unforgettable photographic opportunities. This aspect of nature make it another of the top rated nature attractions in Morocco that tourists and photographers tend to be extremely drawn to for dramatic landscape photographs.Many visitors combine visits to Ait Ben Haddou with stays in the Atlas Mountains or a camel trek into the Sahara Desert, making it a focal point for travel plans to southern Morocco.
