Ksar of AIT-Ben-haddou in Morocco is built in the desert city-fortress, similar to a fairy Mirage. This man-made fortified city for the last ten centuries, stands on the hillside under the burning sun, surrounded by the endless Sands.

Ksar of AIT-Ben-haddou was built in the XI century as a fortified settlement, which was to guard the passes from the Imperial city of Marrakech in the city of Timbuktu caravans. For the fortified walls of the fortress depleted desert travelers stopped to rest and overnight. Here they have always been able to replenish stocks of food and water, as well as to take on the road with experienced guides.

After TRANS-Saharan trade lost its importance and considerably decreased, the Ksar of AIT Ben Haddou gradually fell into decay, after which the population gradually moved to a new village which is located on the right Bank of Ouarzazate. Until 1990, the city was a ruin, at that time there lived no more than a dozen families.

Similar structures built in the tradition of Moroccan architecture, in the Atlas mountains of Morocco are not uncommon, but none of them can compare with the scale and beauty of the legendary AIT Ben Haddou. Colorful ancient city is composed of several dozen clay fortresses. The Kasbah and their towers were elaborately decorated with original openwork ornaments. Through the many round arches between buildings are narrow streets, creating a complex maze of the Medina. On the slopes of the streets become a beautiful multi-tiered terraces, formed by the flat roofs of dwellings.

Filmmakers have long used Ksar Aït Ben Haddou as a location for filming movies. Here have been taken by such famous films as "Alexander" (2004), "Gladiator" (2000), "the Mummy" (1999) and the jewel of the Nile (1985), etc.

Recently in the ancient city is the restoration work, so the city became a popular tourist destination.