Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco, located in the Atlas Mountains. Here are some facts about Ouarzazate:
- Ouarzazate is known as the “door of the desert” because it is a gateway to the Sahara Desert.
- The city has a population of around 75,000 people.
- Ouarzazate is a popular destination for filmmakers and has been the location for many movies and TV shows, including “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator”, “Game of Thrones”, and “The Mummy”.
- The city has a number of interesting sites to visit, including the Kasbah of Taourirt, which is a fortified village that was once the residence of the Glaoui chiefs, and the Atlas Film Studios, which offer tours of movie sets and props.
- Ouarzazate is also known for its proximity to the Draa Valley, which is a picturesque region of palm groves, mud-brick villages, and kasbahs.
Gateway to the Sahara Desert
Ouarzazate is often referred to as the “door of the desert” because it is located at the southern edge of the Atlas Mountains and serves as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. Many travelers and adventurers visit Ouarzazate as a starting point for excursions into the desert, either on foot, by camel or by 4×4 vehicles. The surrounding landscape is arid and rocky, with stunning sand dunes and spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. The area is also known for its rich history and culture, and visitors can explore ancient kasbahs, traditional markets, and villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The city population
As of the last available data from the Moroccan High Commission for Planning, the population of Ouarzazate was estimated to be around 75,000 people in 2020. The city is the capital of the province of Ouarzazate, which has a total population of around 320,000 people. Ouarzazate is one of the larger cities in southern Morocco and is an important center for tourism, as well as for the film industry and agriculture. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, attracting both tourists and immigrants from other parts of Morocco and from abroad.
Filmmakers and has been the location for many movies and TV shows
Ouarzazate is a popular location for filmmakers and has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows over the years. Some of the famous films that were partially or entirely shot in Ouarzazate and its surrounding areas include “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator”, “The Mummy”, “The Last Temptation of Christ”, “Babel”, “Kingdom of Heaven”, and “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”. In addition, the city and its surroundings have also been featured in popular TV shows such as “Game of Thrones”, “Homeland”, and “The Walking Dead”. The region’s unique landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains, desert, and kasbahs, make it a popular choice for filmmakers looking for exotic and dramatic locations.
The city number of interesting sites to visit
Ouarzazate has a number of interesting sites that are well worth a visit. The Kasbah of Taourirt is a particularly popular attraction, located in the center of the city. It is a fortified village that was once the residence of the Glaoui chiefs, who were powerful feudal lords that controlled much of southern
Morocco in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features impressive architecture, intricate tilework, and ornate carvings.
The Atlas Film Studios are another popular attraction in Ouarzazate. These studios have been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, and visitors can take a tour of the sets and props that have been used in various productions. Some of the sets that can be visited include replicas of ancient Roman cities, medieval castles, and desert villages. The studios are a fascinating place to explore, particularly for movie enthusiasts.
Other interesting sites to visit in Ouarzazate include the AïtBenhaddoukasbah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 30 kilometers from the city, and the Atlas Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities. Additionally, the city’s traditional souks and markets are a great place to experience the local culture and purchase handicrafts, spices, and other goods. Ouarzazate is also the place where many spain tourists start what they call by viajes a Marruecos to the desert.
Villages surrounding the city
Ouarzazate is located close to the Draa Valley, which is a stunning and picturesque region of southern Morocco. The valley is known for its palm groves, which are some of the largest in the world, as well as its traditional mud-brick villages and kasbahs. The Draa Valley is also home to the Draa River, which runs for over 1,100 kilometers from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. The river and its surrounding landscapes are an important source of water and fertile land for the region’s agriculture and economy.
Visitors to Ouarzazate can take a day trip to the Draa Valley to explore its many attractions, including the kasbahs of Tamnougalt and AïtIsfoul, the village of Agdz, and the Tizi-n-Tinififft pass, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. The Draa Valley is also a popular destination for hiking, camel trekking, and other outdoor activities, making it a great place to visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
