Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
C3
A2
Sights
Ouarzazate is more of a staging post in most travel itineraries. If you're here for a day or
two, it's worth hiring a taxi and taking a day trip to the nearby
Fint Oasis
or the
Barrage El
Mansour Eddahbi
, a popular fishing and birding spot.
Taourirt Kasbah
(Ave Mohammed V; admission Dh20; 8am-6.30pm)
Unlike other Glaoui kasbahs, this one es-
caped ruin by moonlighting as a Hollywood backdrop (
Sheltering Sky, Gladiator, Prince
of Persia
) and attracting the attention of Unesco, which has carefully restored small sec-
tions of the inner sanctum. Follow the maze of stairwells to the top floor, where you'll
find a prayer room through keyhole archways, traces of stucco and an original
tataoui
ceiling. Wander through the village inside the kasbah walls, and you might also find deals
on local crafts in backstreet shops.
KASBAH
Atlas Film
Corporation Studios
( 0524 88 22 23, 0524 88 22 12;
www.studiosatlas.com
; adult/child Dh50/35; 8.15am-5.15pm Oct-
Feb, to 6.45pm Mar-Sep)
The first 'Ouallywood' studio, established by Mohammed Belghimi
in 1983, displays sets and props from movies filmed here, including
Jewel of the Nile,
Kingdom of Heaven
and
Kundun
. Who knows, you may even get discovered by a talent
scout - though as locals point out, the Dh40 to Dh100 day rates for extras aren't exactly
Screen Actors Guild pay. Guided tours run every 20 to 40 minutes and take you through
some of the stages, sets and workshops incorporated in the 150-hectare site.
The studio is 5km west of town on the Marrakesh road and easily accessible on the yel-
low STUDID bus. Buy tickets at Hotel Oscars next door.
NOTABLE BUILDING
Musée de Cinema
MUSEUM
