Morocco: Ouarzazate (Ait Ben Haddou), part 4

Ait Ben Haddou is a beautifully preserved fortified city/village located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and dates back to the 17th century. It was a stop for caravans traveling to the Sahara Desert. Built totally in local organic material with red mud plaster. Many movies (and tv show) were filmed here starting with Lawrence of Arabia in 1962 (never seen it) to a more current Game of Thrones. Click here for a list of movies and tv shows shot here. This ksar has been designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

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The ksar is built on a hill and so many steps to reach the top. But once there, you are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

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There are artists plying their trade around the kasbah. We stopped to watch one particular artist that paints using local organic dyes and then uses the heat of a fire to show the end product. We bought this one that he painted in front of us.

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Voila!

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He is very proud that he met Hillary Clinton in person. He may have given her one of his paintings.

To be continued.....

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Comments

  1. Nice photos and like the painting too, very good artist. Thanks for sharing, bet was hot there too :)

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  2. What a great visit!! I imagine you have framed and hung that painting in some prominent spot...it's certainly a keeper.

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  3. Hello, what a great post. I find these ancient cities to be very interesting. Wonderful tour and photos.
    Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

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  4. Pretty amazing that everything is built using local materials. It makes the buildings so unique and beautiful.

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  5. All those stones piled up -- such a building feat. And you found a quite good artist!

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  6. in a way it is a pity you can´t go inside the buildings. I would have loved seeing what they look like indoors. Love the desert :)

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  7. This is a fabulous post. I liked the picture of the walls made of rocks and the one of the ornate wooden door. Of course, the artist is also very good and I am sure the painting will be a great memory for you for years to come.

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  8. The stone work is incredible....and those steps look daunting...glad you made it!

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  9. Wow! The red landscape, the red buildings, the art, everything.
    Thank you. :)

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