Aït Ben Haddou, a ksar or fortified village, is one of the most beautiful villages in Morocco. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, this place combines history, culture and breathtaking landscapes that have been the scene of many films.
Aït Ben Haddou is a must-see destination for travelers. This place, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, has been the setting for films such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy, Babel, Prince of Persia, Lawrence of Arabia, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and even the Game of Thrones series.
History and Meaning of Aït Ben Haddou
Built centuries ago, Aït Ben Haddou was an important stopping point on the trans-Saharan trade routes, where gold, salt and spices were exchanged. Its name comes from the clan “Aït” (sons of) and “Ben Haddou”, probably a prominent leader of the region. This ksar is an exceptional example of traditional adobe architecture, with houses and kasbahs that seem to emerge from the desert landscape.
What to See and Do in Aït Ben Haddou
- Explore the ksar: Stroll through its clay and stone streets, and discover the defensive towers and traditional houses.
- Climb the towers: Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
- Movie set: Aït Ben Haddou has been the backdrop for iconic films and series such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy, Babel, Prince of Persia, Lawrence of Arabia, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ, Jesus of Nazareth and even the Game of Thrones series.
Pictures of Aït Ben Haddou
Here are some pictures of my visit to the village, if you click on them you can enlarge them:
Location and How to get to Aït Ben Haddou
- Location: Aït Ben Haddou is located in the region of Ouarzazate, about 190 km from Marrakech. This is its location.
- How to get there: You can get there by car, by organized tours from Marrakech or by bus (although this last option is less frequent).
Schedules and Tips
The ksar is open all day, but it is recommended to visit it in the morning or at sunset to avoid the heat. Bring comfortable shoes and water, as the terrain can be uneven.
Plan your visit
Aït Ben Haddou is a perfect destination for lovers of history, architecture and cinema. Its unique beauty and rich history make it a must-see stop on any trip to Morocco.