What to see and do at Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified city, or ksar, in the Souss-Massa region of southwestern Morocco.
It is located along the former caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakesh, and is one of the best-preserved examples of this type of architecture in Morocco. The ksar, which is made up of several earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been used as a filming location for many movies and television shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
We visited Aït Benhaddou on 4/16/2012. A few snake charmers were in the parking lot encouraging tourists to get their pictures with the snakes. You have to walk on stones to cross the river and some young boys will help you for a tip. We explored the buildings in the ksar and visited the fortress at the top of the hill which overlooks the surrounding area
The history of Aït Benhaddou dates back to the 11th century, when it was a center of trade and commerce. Over the centuries, the ksar has been occupied by various Berber tribes, and its earthen buildings have been added to and renovated. Despite its long history, the ksar is still inhabited today, with several families living in the traditional mud-brick houses within its walls.
Visitors to Aït Benhaddou can explore the ksar and its buildings, including the kasbah, which served as the home of the local chieftain, and the mosque, which dates back to the 16th century. They can also learn about the history of the region and the traditional way of life in southern Morocco, which has been influenced by the neighboring Saharan desert.
In recent years, Aït Benhaddou has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in its history, architecture, and unique desert landscape. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a fascinating and off-the-beaten-path travel destination, Aït Benhaddou is definitely worth a visit.
Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in the Marrakesh area. Click here for details.
