Ouarzazate - City of Tranquility and Land of Kasbahs

If we talk about Morocco, we must automaticallyhotel-hostel-restaurant where you can enjoy an
talk about its natural richness, its cultural variety,utterly exotic and adventurous stay.
and its long history, and every city in moroccoEqually, you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah, located
has its own beauty, its own charm, and its ownin the city centre and also listed by UNESCO as
specificities. Ouarzazate is one of those veryWorld Heritage Monument. This majestic Kasbah
famous cities in Morocco, mostly thanks to itsused to be, in the 19th century, the residence of
tranquility (no wonder its name means "no noise")the powerful Pasha of Marrakech and, before
and its fantastic natural setting. But I also want tothat, the ancient palace of the "Lords of the
mention in this article the excellent touristAtlas". It was built with earth and straw, which
conditions in Ouarzazate in terms of historicalmakes it certainly fragile, but several rooms, richly
monuments, natural spaces, and cultural heritage.decorated mostly with carved cedar wood
The nature surrounding Ouarzazate and itsceilings, can be visited.
architectural jewels are so famous that many filmMore than that, Ouarzazate has been called "The
directors have chosen it as their favouriteCity of the 1000 Kasbahs", due to the many
destination to shoot many internationallyKasbahs that are spread everywhere (Skoura,
celebrated films including, among many others,Talmasl, Agdez palaces, etc.). All this architectural
"Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra",maste pieces show the incredible skill and
"Lawrence of Arabia", "The Man Who Would Besavoir-fair of the local craftsmen.
King", "Cleopatra, "Kundun", "Gladiator" and latelyNear Ouarzazate, you will also enjoy different and
"Alexander", "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Babe".varied natural spaces, such as the impressive
Ouarzazate was also the location of the 26th ofDadés and Todgha gorges, which are
November 2006 episode of the television serieslocated in Tinghir (90 miles from Ouarzazate in the
"The Amazing Race 10", all of which is possibleroad to Errachidia), or the oasis of Fint, located 7.5
thanks to the big studios equipped with all themiles from Ouarzazate, a magnificent and
necessary means for a most success filmgorgeous place.
production, such as the CLA studios or the AtlasIn Ouarzazate, the visitor will get the chance to
Film Studio.discover the local cultural heritage, which can be
The Kasbahs are the most important monumentsexperience in many contexts and sites. For
that can attract the attention of the visitors toexample, the local folklore (in the "ahwach" and
Ouarzazate. First, we have Kasbah Ait Ben"ahidous" dances), the food (like "baddaz", which is
Haddou, which has been listed by UNESCO as aprepared with corn flour and vegetables and
World Heritage Site. This impressive and beautifulmeat, or the traditional bread called "tafarnout"),
Kasbah is located 15 miles from Ouarzazate, athe clothes (such as the "taterft" and the "laktib"
huge castle that stands in the middle of fields anddresses for celebrations), and the Amazigh
trees, where you enjoy have a wonderful viewjewellery (like the "tikhlallin" and the "talguamout",
over the river and the Atlas Mountains.which are usually made of silver).
Also, you can find the Tifoultout Kasbah, locatedSo, visiting Ouarzazate is a perfect occasion to
7 miles from the city centre and where you candiscover another aspect of the endless beauty of
enjoy the beauty of the fields and murmur of theMorocco, and this beautiful city is always glad to
waters coming from the river. This 17th centurywelcome its visitors with open arms to offer
Kasbah used to be the residence of the Pashathem its clean air and its lovely weather.
Glawi and consists of a series of rising towersOuarzazate treats its visitor to a holiday full of
that confer it a spectacular appearance. Thepleasure, full of enjoyment, and full of peace and
Kasbah now hosts a fantastictranquility.