History of Ouarzazate :
Surrounded by mountains, located at 1160 meters, Ouarzazate is the result of an outpost set up by the Foreign Legion in 1928.
In 1930 the theater moved into the city, with Marlene Dietrich (Morocco, Joseph von Sternberg) and fiction meets reality. She will never leave her, and now three studio installed, studios Andromeda, Atlas Studio and ECLA, the largest studio in the world, recently built. The film Babel, which is supposed to happen in Tazzarine was actually shot near Ouarzazate, Ait Sahoun.
Before the French, there was Ouarzazate Kasbah Taourirt, built by the Pasha Glaoui. This, then his son, made an alliance with the French since the signing of the Protectorate, which enabled them to extend their domination throughout the South, from the Saharan border to Marrakech.
Some tribes, including the great confederation of the Ait Atta refusing "again and again" to submit to their authority, the French sent troops to subdue the region gradually, build the bastion of Ouarzazate next to the Kasbah, an open airport ... the modern city keeps track of this military foundation in his great avenue Mohammed V, very open, in contrast to the narrow streets of Taourirt. The city stretches along the avenue, 5 km long, before crossing the Oued Ouarzazate towards Zagora. This is still an important garrison town. Approximately 56,000 people live and work in Ouarzazate, which is a point of departure and return circuits in the Deep South as a destination in itself.
However, the area of the lake created by the dam El Mansour witnessed the arrival of luxurious villas, attracted by the scenery and the Royal Golf, and there are all types of accommodations, including luxurious.
The city is now under development: a university is built, the film business is growing (with a training center), and this is an important focus of national tourism. A major project of "Las Vegas Moroccan" will be released in some time, a little away from the center.
And here are some photos of the city of Ouarzazate :
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- La Kasbah de Taourirt :
Surrounded by mountains, located at 1160 meters, Ouarzazate is the result of an outpost set up by the Foreign Legion in 1928.
In 1930 the theater moved into the city, with Marlene Dietrich (Morocco, Joseph von Sternberg) and fiction meets reality. She will never leave her, and now three studio installed, studios Andromeda, Atlas Studio and ECLA, the largest studio in the world, recently built. The film Babel, which is supposed to happen in Tazzarine was actually shot near Ouarzazate, Ait Sahoun.
Before the French, there was Ouarzazate Kasbah Taourirt, built by the Pasha Glaoui. This, then his son, made an alliance with the French since the signing of the Protectorate, which enabled them to extend their domination throughout the South, from the Saharan border to Marrakech.
Some tribes, including the great confederation of the Ait Atta refusing "again and again" to submit to their authority, the French sent troops to subdue the region gradually, build the bastion of Ouarzazate next to the Kasbah, an open airport ... the modern city keeps track of this military foundation in his great avenue Mohammed V, very open, in contrast to the narrow streets of Taourirt. The city stretches along the avenue, 5 km long, before crossing the Oued Ouarzazate towards Zagora. This is still an important garrison town. Approximately 56,000 people live and work in Ouarzazate, which is a point of departure and return circuits in the Deep South as a destination in itself.
However, the area of the lake created by the dam El Mansour witnessed the arrival of luxurious villas, attracted by the scenery and the Royal Golf, and there are all types of accommodations, including luxurious.
The city is now under development: a university is built, the film business is growing (with a training center), and this is an important focus of national tourism. A major project of "Las Vegas Moroccan" will be released in some time, a little away from the center.
And here are some photos of the city of Ouarzazate :
Places to visit in Ouarzazate :
- La Kasbah de Taourirt :
It is being restored, it can be visited (the guide is not mandatory, however it will help you understand what the purpose of the maze of rooms in which you will end up). The apartments Glaoui and his favorite retained their painted stucco decoration with completely natural colors (saffron, indigo, egg yolk, mint ...) and cedar ceilings decorated. In the courtyard is a canon, may be the same man who was given the Glaoui by the representative of the king, Moulay Hassan. In front of the Kasbah is a craft center and a café with a terrace with beautiful views. A film museum opened recently.
Behind the Kasbah itself, the medina, you can also visit quietly.
- The movie studios :
When not in location, it is possible to visit Atlas Production studios, where among others turned Harem, Banzai, Gladiator, Kundun, Hidalgo, Mission Cleopatra (who left impressive scenery. ...), Jesus of Nazareth, Sky Kingdoms, etc .... In addition to Taourirt and movie studios, you can see in the city one of the oldest restaurants in Morocco, "Dimitri", founded by Dimitri Katrakazos, a Greek who arrived in the city along with the legion to age of 15, and never left (as he had initially migrate to the United States). The restaurant was also the first position, the first supermarket in town.
- Around Ouarzazate :
Outside Ouarzazate, should not be missed at any price the Ksar of benhaddou, about 26 km in the direction of Marrakech. This magnificent fortified ensemble, World Heritage of Humanity by Unesco is currently being restored. He was one of the major economic and cultural hubs of the region since ancient times. He gradually abandoned by its inhabitants, who prefer to settle in front of the Ksar in the valley. The walking tour, you will discover at its top a splendid view over the village, the surrounding fields and deserts. You can skip to guide, and the price of entry is optional.
At 10 kilometers from Ouarzazate, the Oasis of Fint, a striking landscape of black rocks, among which will appear the task of green oasis. Approximately 1,200 people live in four Douars. Side of the lake, there are abandoned kasbah (Tarkacht, Tadert, Tiraf ... and former cemeteries and mausoleums Jews). South of the town, 42 kms from the town of Ouarzazate, and the lovely Kasbah Amerhidil, which dates from the last century. It is being restored (fully private catering) and houses a small museum Berber (agricultural implements and objects of everyday life). The owner is an excellent guide. Finally, it is possible to visit the Ksar Amzaourou. For these trips, a 4 * 4 is required.
From Ouarzazate, trips to Sidi Flah, Toundout and troglodytes of Imadri houses, with their carved into the rock attics.
- Three events not to be missed :
* The Marathon des Sables, a week of racing in the region of Ouarzazate, in March or April (www.darbaroud.com). This year's ended Tazzarine
* Symphonies of the Desert in June
* Moussem Sidi Daoud.
Map of Ouarzazate :
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