Ait Ben Haddou
Set along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a popular tourist destination in the Ouarzazate province. This ancient Moroccan village is a traditional mud-brick city edging the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator and thanks to the Hollywood touch ups through the years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved. It is a ‘ksar’ which means fortified village and served as a convenient stopover for hundreds of caravans of camels following the renowned trans-Saharan trade route. Visitors can wander the ancient alleyways, view the traditional architecture, and visit the Granary perched at the top of the hill. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddoun at the foot of the hill on the opposite side of town and soak up the breathtaking views.