Ait Benhaddou: an ancient city that became a backdrop for modern cinema (13 photos)

Situated high in the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco, Ouarzazate has long been known as the “gateway to the desert” and even the “African Hollywood.” The location attracts filmmakers from all over the world thanks to its unique atmosphere and picturesque landscapes.





It is here, among the endless sands and rugged mountains, that dozens of cult films were filmed.



Since the 1960s, directors have chosen the region to create stories set in the Middle East or biblical times. Famous films include Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Babel (2006), and the Game of Thrones series (2011–2019).





Here is also one of the largest film studios in the world - Atlas Studios, where entire cities, tombs and other large-scale sets are recreated. However, the main star of many scenes remains the nature of the region itself, especially the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou.

The Historical Heritage of Ait Benhaddou



Located on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou is a unique example of Moroccan adobe architecture. This historic ksar (fortified village) consists of houses built of rammed earth and unbaked bricks, tightly packed together and surrounded by high walls. In 1987, Ait Benhaddou was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of traditional construction.



The village is built on a hillside by the Unila River and consists of many buildings of varying heights, from simple dwellings to impressive multi-story buildings with towers. All are located within a defensive wall with corner towers and gates.



Some of the buildings are decorated with geometric patterns, and the ksar itself contains public spaces such as a mosque, a caravanserai, a kasbah (castle-fortress) and the marabout of Sidi Ali or Amer. At the top of the hill, you can see the ruins of a large fortified granary that once served as an important center for the local community.

History and Modernity



The village was originally founded in the 11th century, but none of the current buildings are older than the 17th century. Since the houses were built from clay, rammed earth and wood, they required constant repair and restoration. To reduce the load on the walls, the lower floors were built from more durable materials, and the upper floors from lightweight adobe bricks.



In the past, Ait Benhaddou was an important trading post on the route between ancient Sudan and Marrakech through the Dra Valley and the Tizi n'Teloue Pass. This route was one of the few that crossed the Atlas Mountains, making the village a strategically important point. However, with the beginning of the 20th century, it began to lose its role, and many residents left their homes.



Today, Ait Benhaddou is inhabited by only a small group of people. Most of the locals have moved to the modern part of the village on the other side of the river, where they are engaged in agriculture and the tourist trade.



Still from the film "Gladiator"

In 2011, a pedestrian bridge was built linking the old ksar to the new village to make it more accessible to tourists and perhaps encourage residents to return to the historic houses.

Cinema and Tourism



Still from the film "Prince of Persia"

Ait Benhaddou continues to inspire directors and attract travelers from all over the world. Its ancient walls and mysterious atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for films and TV series, and also open a window into the past. This city is a shining example of how history and modernity can harmoniously coexist, preserving its uniqueness for future generations.



Still from the series "Game of Thrones"



Still from the series "Game of Thrones"