Ouarzazate brings together three cultural themes that are easy to distinguish: Kasbah Taourirt, crafts and film history. The kasbah stands in the city center as a historic landmark; its construction probably dates back to the 17th century. Parts of an urban-style reception hall, a courtyard and decorative façade details have been preserved. In Ouarzazate Province, Kasbah Taourirt has been recognized as national cultural heritage since 1953. Together, its architectural history, preserved design and heritage status make it a clear focal point for travelers who want to understand Ouarzazate in terms beyond its film connections.
Kasbah Taourirt: History and Details
The northeastern section of the kasbah was restored in 1996 and opened to visitors. This date adds a later restoration and opening phase to its probable construction history. This makes it possible to distinguish the earlier construction history from the restoration of a specific section as separate points in time.
Crafts Near the Kasbah
Near the kasbah is the Ouarzazate Artisanal Complex, with six workshops for sculptures made from alabaster, High Atlas stones, petrified rock, wood and copper, as well as jewelry. In addition to these workshops, the complex includes an exhibition room for carpets from the Ait Ouaouzguit and Hanbal tribes, and a women's carpet-weaving cooperative. Different areas of craftsmanship are represented side by side: the materials and works featured in the workshops on the one hand, and carpets and weaving on the other. Its proximity makes it possible to consider crafts alongside the kasbah's architecture, although the places represent different areas of interest.
Ouarzazate and Film History
Film history can also be divided into two thematic perspectives. Atlas Corporation Studios was founded in 1983 and is located five kilometers from the city entrance. Films have been shot at Atlas Studios since 1984, including The Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator, Babel and Kundun. The years mark different milestones: 1983 refers to the founding, and 1984 to the start of the film shoots mentioned. The Ouarzazate Cinema Museum complements this production-related perspective with film sets. It covers two hectares and houses several sets connected with biblical history and major films shot in the region.
The Wider Landscape: Ouarzazate Province
Ouarzazate Province offers a broader perspective that should not be equated with the city limits. Its eastern foothills of the Anti-Atlas include vast stony plains and valleys cut through by major gorges. In the southern part of the Central High Atlas within the province, tall, vertical rock faces shape the terrain; Jbel Azourki reaches 3,685 meters. The water network is also apparent at the level of Ouarzazate Province: the Dades, Ouarzazate and Ait Douchen rivers and their tributaries together form the upper Drâa Basin. These details help distinguish the city from the wider provincial landscape: Ouarzazate puts the kasbah, crafts and cinema in the foreground, while the province also encompasses mountain formations and a river basin.
Discover more destinations: Aguerd, Ouled Teima, Tinghir, Aguerzeka, Amzaourou, El-Kelâa M´gouna, Taliouine, Souk El-Khémis Dades.
For the main travel overview: Souss-Massa-Draa.
