Ait Benhaddou

About

Situated on a caravan trail, Ait Benhaddou was known as the ‘door to the desert’. While the buildings only date back to the 17th century, the structures and construction techniques are identical to those used centuries earlier. The compact living quarters, narrow windows, and community spaces including a mosque, public square, fortification, and loft at the top of the village illustrate the traditional earthen constructions of communities around the Atlas Mountains. Inside some of the buildings you can see traditional artefacts, while others now serve as storefronts for hawkers. Opting for a guided tour is a good idea to better understand kasbah culture, and learn about the many movies that have been filmed here.