Ait Ben Haddou and the Movies Made There
Where Movie Magic Meets History.
A Journey Through Ait Ben Haddou, On-Screen and Off.
One of Morocco’s most remarkable landmarks is Ait Ben Haddou, which lies tucked away on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. This historic ksar (fortified town) next to Ouarzazate is one of the world’s most filmed locations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ait Ben Haddou is known as “Morocco’s Hollywood” because of its eye-catching red-earth walls and labyrinth of earthen kasbahs, which have been the setting for numerous foreign motion pictures and television shows.
A Glimpse into History
The village of Ait Ben Haddou dates back to the 11th century and was an important station on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. Merchants transporting gold, salt, and slaves would rest here before continuing their long journey across the desert. Built from clay, straw, and stones, the village rises above the Ounila River like a scene from another time. Today, only a few families still live within its walls, while most locals have moved across the river to more modern homes.
Hollywood Discovers Ait Ben Haddou
Famous Movies Filmed in Ait Ben Haddou
Here are some of the most famous movies and TV series filmed in Ait Ben Haddou:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962): One of the films that was earliest in getting shot here, it laid the foundation for Morocco to be recognized as a preferred choice for bringing desert epics.
The Man Who Would Be King (1975): Ait Ben Haddou was one of the main locations for filming the movie and its remote areas represented parts of Afghanistan.
Jesus of Nazareth (1977): The ancient part of Jerusalem was recreated at the site through the efforts of Italian director Franco Zeffirelli.
Gladiator (2000): The association of Ait Ben Haddou with the gladiator movie might be the strongest. The ksar turned into the place where Maximus (Russell Crowe) starts his path to the gladiatorial arena as the slave-trading city. The Mummy (1999): The golden timing of this adventure classic was set by the desert and kasbahs of the area.
Alexander (2004): The representation of ancient Persia was done by the use of the site by Oliver Stone.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010): Ait Ben Haddou was converted by Disney into a Persian city filled with magic and mystery.
Game of Thrones (Season 3): Ait Ben Haddou is sure to be recognized by the fans as one of the places standing for the slave city of Yunkai.
Ouarzazate and Atlas Film Studios
Just 30 kilometers away, Ouarzazate often called the “Gateway to the Desert” is home to Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Many productions filmed in Ait Ben Haddou also built additional sets here. Visitors can tour the studios to see props, costumes, and massive replicas from famous films like Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator.
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Why Filmmakers Love It
Ait Ben Haddou’s popularity with filmmakers comes down to three things: authenticity, light, and location. The mud-brick architecture looks genuinely ancient, the desert sun creates cinematic lighting all day, and Morocco’s landscapes offer everything from mountains to dunes within a short drive. The country’s film-friendly policies and skilled local crews also make shooting here remarkably efficient.
Visiting Ait Ben Haddou Today
Visiting Ait Ben Haddou feels like stepping into a movie set because you literally are. Travelers can walk across the shallow Ounila River, climb through the narrow alleys, and reach the top of the kasbah for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Many tours from Marrakech or Ouarzazate include Ait Ben Haddou as a highlight, especially for those heading toward the Sahara Desert.
If you visit, go early in the morning or at sunset to see the clay walls glow gold and red the same magical light that has inspired so many filmmakers.
Final Thoughts
Ait Ben Haddou is more than a film set, it’s a living piece of Moroccan history that connects ancient trade routes with modern cinema. Whether you’re a movie lover, photographer, or culture enthusiast, standing here gives you a glimpse into both Morocco’s past and the world’s imagination.
What films were filmed at Ben Haddou?
Here are a few more examples from the huge list of films and series shot on location in Ait Ben Haddou:
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
- Sodom and Gomorrah (1963)
- Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
- The Jewel of the Nile (1985)
- The Living Daylights (1987)
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
- The Mummy (1999)
- Gladiator (2000)
- Alexander the Great (2004)
- The Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
- Babel (2006)
- Prince of Persia (2010)
- Game of Thrones (2011)
- Queen of the Desert (2015)
What is Ait Benhaddou famous for?
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Ait Ben Haddou?
Was The Mummy filmed in Ait Ben Haddou?
Yes, parts of The Mummy (1999) were filmed in Ait Ben Haddou. The village’s ancient mud-brick buildings and desert scenery made it a perfect location to represent ancient Egyptian settings in the movie.
Is Ait Benhaddou worth visiting?
Yes, Ait Ben Haddou is definitely worth visiting. Its ancient clay architecture, stunning views, and historical significance make it a unique experience. Plus, it’s famous as a filming location for many movies, adding an extra layer of excitement for visitors.
Was Black Widow filmed in Morocco?
Yes, Black Widow was partly filmed in Morocco, along with Norway, England, Budapest, and Macon, Georgia.
What is Ait Ben Haddou famous for?
The most well-known ksar in the Ounila Valley is Ait-Ben-Haddou, which is situated in the Province of Ouarzazate on the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas. An impressive illustration of southern Moroccan architecture is the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou. The ksar is a primarily communal collection of residences
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Ait Ben Haddou is an absolutely amazing place where history and film collide. In addition to providing a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history, its historic ksar has served as a set for some of the most well-known movies and television shows in history. Travelers may explore history, take in breathtaking architecture, and see the same landscapes that have served as inspiration for movies for decades by visiting Ait Ben Haddou. Ait Ben Haddou offers a remarkable experience that encapsulates the allure of Morocco, regardless of whether you are drawn to it by its cultural legacy or its cinematic renown.
─── Your questions, our answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team is here to answer your Morocco Travel questions and ensure a smooth, memorable journey through Morocco.
What is the oldest village in Morocco?
The oldest village in Morocco is Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient ksar (fortified village) dates back to the 11th century and is located near Ouarzazate in the High Atlas Mountains. It has a rich history as a stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara and is famous for its traditional mud-brick architecture.
What to do in Ait Ben Haddou?
You can: in Ait Ben Haddou
Discover the Ksar by exploring its winding lanes, ascending to the summit for sweeping views, and taking in the historic mud-brick buildings.
Take pictures: Especially at sunrise or sunset, capture the glistening crimson and gold walls.
Shop locally and purchase authentic Moroccan items, souvenirs, and handcrafted crafts.
Learn about the village’s cultural significance and its place on the ancient caravan routes.
Movie spotting: Identify settings from well-known movies such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and The Mummy.
Enjoy the beautiful stroll to and from the Ksar as you cross the Ounila River.
Take a guided tour: Local tour guides tell you about the history, architecture, and day-to-day activities of the hamlet.
History, culture, and cinematic magic are all combined in one location.
Can you walk around Ait Ben Haddou?
One of the greatest ways to enjoy Ait Ben Haddou is to meander through its maze. It’s not too bad to get lost either. Ait Ben Haddou doesn’t have set hours because it’s a community rather than a tourist destination.
Kate Carter
Family Travel Blogger
Kate Carter is a mom and travel blogger who fell in love with Morocco’s culture and warmth. Through Morocco Family Vacation, she shares tips and stories to help travelers enjoy authentic, stress-free experiences. Join us along the way.
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