Ouarzazate is the door to the Sahara, the world’s longest desert. And believe it or not, the desert here is backdropped by snow-capped Atlas Mountains – even in summer. It’s only here where you can see that extreme scenery of nature, totally different from each other but they blend well as one landscape that’s made to perfection. Perhaps, you’ve seen these landscapes in Hollywood movies before – but maybe, you thought, “Ah, they’re just cinematic effects, or computer-generated images.” You could be wrong. Or you could be right.

Movies like Gladiator, The Passion of Christ, Prince of Persia, Alexander, Cleopatra, Jesus of Nazareth, Babel, Lawrence of Arabia and many more were shot at Atlas Film Studios, just outside Ouarzazate. Aside from a huge studio, they also have the Atlas Film Studio Museum where some rooms here were used in the movies. Inside, you can find chandeliers, tall chairs, carpets, benches, stages tools and many more – which most of them can be touched or seen up close. The columns are grand and the interiors are dramatically well-lit. During my visit, I was the only one going around the museum and it felt like I was time traveling at that moment.

These are the things and rooms I saw inside the film museum.

Atlas Film Studio Museum in Ouarzazate

The Atlas Film Studio Museum in Ouarzazate, Morocco.

Atlas Film Museum in Ouarzazate, Morocco.

More photos of my trip to Morocco can be found here.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

True to its name, Rainbow Hostel is the most colourful hostel I’ve ever stayed in. It’s right in the medina and a few minutes walk to Place de Jemaa El-fnaa. They also have a tour desk. You can book it via HostelWorld.

DISCOVER MOROCCO

Not into travelling solo or alone? Discover Morocco via Intrepid Travel. They have tours that aren’t crowded but limited participants. Choose from the different itineraries they have, exploring part of or the whole country. You’ll love their tours!

START YOUR MOROCCO ADVENTURE NOW!