One of the best-preserved and most
photogenic ksour in the Moroccan south features a cluster of deep-red
houses and intricately decorated kasbahs on a steep rock towering over a
shallow river.
Ý 185 D3
* 30km northhwest of Ouarzazate
º Daily 8-5
v Grands taxis from Ouarzazate m Moderate Hollywood can't top this spectacular setting
Ait Benhaddou was an important caravan stop between Ouarzazate and
Marrakech, and the fortress commanded views over the entire area. It
lost its importance when the French built the Tizi n'Tichka road in 1928. However, a few families still live in the old village, some
of whose buildings are said to be over 500 years old. As the pise
(mud-clay) from the riverbed used in the buildings threatens the ksar,
Unesco has declared it a World Heritage Site and is slowly repairing the
erosion to the amazing buildings.
The kasbah was so well protected that the way in is not always obvious,
especially after the main entrance was apparrently boarded up during a
film shoot. Strangely, entry is now through a kitchen, which gives way
to a small square from where you can easily explore the narrow streets,
the Berber houses and the fortress at the top of a steep hill. Film
buffs may recognise certain areas, as the ksar is a popular film
location, seen in David Lean's epic Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and the
Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator (2000).
TAKING A BREAK
Visit La Kasbah, a short walk across the river from the kasbah,
for a cooling mint tea, a delicious set lunch and perhaps a dip in the
pool. Stay overnight at the auberge or in one of several simple little
hotels and see the changing colours of the ksar at sunset or by
moonlight.
