Ait Benhaddou Bridge (Main Entrance) — Attraction in caïdat de Amerzgane

Mountain castle Morocco

Located in the Ounila Valley near Ouarzazate, Morocco, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the slopes of a hill adjacent to the Ounila River. As a traditional pre-Saharan earthen construction, it exemplifies southern Moroccan architecture. The ksar is a collective grouping of dwellings, showcasing an extraordinary ensemble of buildings that demonstrate pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques.

Ait-Ben-Haddou is the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley. Inside the defensive walls, which are reinforced by angle towers and pierced with a baffle gate, houses crowd together. The site was also one of the many trading posts on the commercial route linking ancient Sudan to Marrakesh by the Dra Valley and the Tizi-n'Telouet Pass.

Architecturally, the living quarters are arranged in a compact, enclosed, and elevated configuration. The ksar's community facilities comprise a mosque, public square, grain threshing areas outside the defensive walls, fortification, raised loft, caravanserai, two cemeteries (one Muslim, one Jewish), and the venerated Sanctuary of Saint Sidi Ali. At the hill's peak, overlooking the ksar, are the remnants of a large fortified granary.

In contrast to other regional ksour, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou has preserved its architectural authenticity with remarkable consistency, particularly in terms of its configuration and materials. The architectural style is exceptionally well-preserved, with earthen constructions that are perfectly suited to the local climate and blend harmoniously into the natural and social environment. The ksar's structures are constructed entirely from rammed earth, clay bricks, and wood. While rammed earth was a highly practical and cost-effective material, it necessitated regular maintenance. The CERKAS faces challenges in monitoring and maintaining the property's visual integrity.

The ksar's rich history has been brought to life through meticulous restoration, fueled by its role as a Hollywood filming location and its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1987, ensuring the preservation of its cultural heritage for generations to come.

A large number of films shot in Aït Benhaddou as a location. To name a few including: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel or the Nile (1985), Kundun (1997), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), The Life on our Planet (2020)

Elevate your experience at Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou with these recommendations: a. Wear suitable footwear, pack sunglasses and suntan lotion, and get ready for an adventure. b. Ascend at a relaxed pace, immersing yourself in the atmosphere. c. Uncover the remnants of the fortified granary at the summit, while exercising caution due to strong winds. d. Create lasting memories by capturing the ksar's majestic reflection in the Ounila River. e. Make sure to cross the Ait Benhaddou Bridge (Main Entrance) to get to the summit. No need to pay any tickets to go up to the summit. Be aware of scammers...

We were taken here as part of our tour of Morocco. The visit was excellent, we were dropped off at the bridge where we walked across to the citadel (kasbah). From there you can then walk out to either or both the panoramic viewpoint or the summit. Please bear in mind there are a lot of uneven steps, plus the heat. The view from the summit is mildly rewarding, but not as good as the views of the kasbah from the viewpoints. Beware of the street sellers and...

Amazing place, and NO you don’t have to have a guide or pay anyone to show you around - unless you want to of course. We were approached by 5 different guys telling us we needed a guide and stuff and kept declining and just walked directly into the site. It’s also fun to walk along the dried river bed and even wade in a bit of the water that hadn’t evaporated yet in the 106...