My most enduring memories of Morocco are of the kasbahs and ksars. Built of mud and straw to the same basic design evolved over many centuries, they need constant maintenance.
This Ksar is set in the High Atlas with magnificent views all round.
Even though the kasbahs look impregnable with their high walls, they had one fatal flaw. Apparently a common tactic used by besiegers was to divert the water channels of the oasis round a kasbah dissolving the foundations and waiting for the walls to come tumbling down, Jericho-fashion.
One of my favourite views - very stately.
A view from the other side of the Wadi. The main way in to Ait Ben Haddou is through a Kasbah, where the owner demands payment to let you in.
Possibly the most filmed ksar in the world. Many film makers wanting Biblical or Crusader scenes for their films have chosen Ait Ben Haddou. Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and numerous other films were all shot here.
The Kasbahs at the bottom of the hill are particularly well preserved - thanks to Hollywood $$s - but those at the top have been left derelict - apparently directors are happy to let CGI fill in the missing kasbahs.
Magnificent as the place is, I am still surprised that it is marked out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - bearing in mind the many other Ksars in Morocco (for instance see some of the photos above or in the Skoura pages). I wonder if it is to bolster the Moroccan revenues derived from the filming industry?
Climbing to the top is rewarded by the views; this one looking South West across the massive plains.
