| Page Views: 1,242 Last Visit to Ait Ben Haddou: January, 2004 | Home to Jesus and Russel Crowe by mafi_moya - last update: Jul 12, 2004 |
The ancient kasbah in the small village of Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco's most well known tourist attractions. It's one of the best preserved examples of a North African kasbah in the country and is a registered UNESCO heritage site. One of the reasons it's been protected against the ravages of time is its use in a few dozen Hollywood films, most famously in Gladiator. You can also see it in older hits such as Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. Unlike films made in, say, the Thai islands, here the film producers seem to have proved beneficial to the local environment, giving the village a facelift and maintaining the condition of the kasbah itself. |
Despite the great reputation, or probably because of it and expecting too much, I was a bit disappointed with Ait Ben Haddou. The kasbah and its setting is stunning, you can wander around the old streets at will, and you can climb right to the top, from where the views of the snow-topped Atlas mountains and stony desert are magnificent. But unfortunately the lower levels are full of the dreaded souvenir sellers, some of whom are particularly persistent and not very friendly. If you can escape them and the coach loads of tourists, and the local kids outside tugging at your sleeve for some money, you might be able to find a quiet spot and appreciate the incredible ancient building. |
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mafi_moya's Ait Ben Haddou Travel Tips
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Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for mafi_moya about Ait Ben Haddou | | | | |
barryg23 Tue Oct 24, 2006 08:00 UTC
It still looks spectacular even if it's full of tourists and souvenir sellers. I hope to see this part of Morocco on my next visit. | JLBG Sat Sep 4, 2004 20:55 UTC
Very good pictures of Ait Ben Haddou that give a real feeling of the place. | sachara Tue Apr 20, 2004 13:50 UTC
Wonderful photos. During our visit it was rather peaceful. | globetrott Tue Feb 17, 2004 22:43 UTC
excellent pictures ! Camel-rides were not offered, just donkeys, while I was there in 1990. It seems it became much more touristy since :-(( |
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