Ouarzazate: Experience the Timeless Charm of Morocco at Kasbah Taourirt and the Cinema Museum – Discover the Deep Maghreb Culture in Ouarzazate, the Gateway to the Desert – Morocco Travel
When visiting Morocco, most travelers focus on the historic medinas of Marrakech and Fes, or the picturesque blue streets of Chefchaouen. Today, I’ll share my experience exploring Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Early Morning Walk
As Ouarzazate sits at the edge of the desert, temperatures can soar during the day. An early morning walk is the best way to explore the city.
Walking along the N10 highway that leads towards the desertThe landscape reveals a rocky desert rather than sand dunesBeautiful mud-brick residential area in the early morning quietCharming windows with subtle European influences
Visiting Kasbah Taourirt
The impressive facade of Kasbah Taourirt
Kasbah Taourirt is a 17th-century fortified citadel that once served as the residence of the Glaoui family, who controlled this region of the Atlas Mountains. Built from mud bricks and clay, this complex features walls, towers, courtyards, and a mosque.
Exploring the maze-like interior of the kasbahThe scale of the kasbah becomes apparent from the rooftopThe intricate layout of passageways and roomsAnother stunning viewpoint from the upper levelsThe kasbah now houses art galleries and carpet shopsBeautiful Arabic calligraphy on display in one of the galleriesSide view revealing the impressive scale of Kasbah Taourirt
Exploring Local Crafts
The area around the kasbah is filled with shops selling carpets and traditional clothingA carpet shop owner displaying various designsTraditional Berber carpet patterns featuring geometric designs
Cinema Museum
Next to the kasbah is the Cinema Museum, celebrating Ouarzazate’s role as “Morocco’s Hollywood.” Famous films like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator” were filmed here, and visitors can explore actual movie sets.
Entrance to the Cinema MuseumPalace-themed set inside the museumTraditional Berber tent displayMoroccan-style courtyard setInternational-style set with tiled roofingThe museum’s gift shop selling traditional crafts including tagine pots
Coming Up Next
After a morning of exploration, it was time to seek out lunch. The afternoon was spent experiencing local Moroccan life away from the tourist areas. Stay tuned for the next article where we’ll share these authentic encounters.
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