Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou description and photos - Morocco: Ouarzazate (Topic)

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou description and photos - Morocco: Ouarzazate. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

Photo and description

Ksar Ait Ben Haddou in Morocco is a walled city erected in the middle of the desert, similar to a fairy mirage. This fortified man-made city has stood on a hillside under the rays of the scorching sun for ten centuries, surrounded by endless sands.

Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou was built in the XI century. as a fortified point, which was supposed to guard the caravans passing from the imperial city of Marrakech to the city of Timbuktu. Behind the fortified walls of the fortress, travelers exhausted by the desert stopped to rest and spend the night. Here they could always replenish food and water supplies, as well as take experienced guides with them on the road.

After the trans-Saharan trade lost its importance and diminished significantly, Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou gradually fell into decay, after which the population gradually moved to a new village, which is located on the right bank of the Ouarzazate. Until 1990, the city was a ruin, at that time no more than a dozen families lived here.

Similar buildings, built in the traditions of Moroccan architecture, are not uncommon in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, but none of them can be compared with the scale and beauty of the legendary Ait Ben Haddou. The picturesque ancient city is made up of dozens of clay fortresses. The Kasbahs and their towers were skillfully decorated with original openwork ornaments. Narrow streets run through many round arches between the buildings, creating a complex labyrinth of medina. On the slopes, the streets turn into beautiful multi-tiered terraces formed by flat roofs of houses.

Filmmakers have long used Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou as a location for filming films. Here were shot such famous films as: "Alexander" (2004), "Gladiator" (2000), "The Mummy" (1999) and The Pearl of the Nile (1985), etc.

Recently, in the old city restoration work is underway, making the city a popular tourist destination.

We also recommend reading Jones Bridge description and photos - Philippines: Manila

Topic: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou description and photos - Morocco: Ouarzazate.