Did you know that the largest film studio in the world is tucked away in Morocco? In the charming town of Ouarzazate, at the base of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll find the sprawling grounds of Atlas Studios. This cinematic paradise has been the backdrop for a slew of famous movies and series, including big names like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Mummy, not to mention blockbuster series such as Game of Thrones and Vikings.
Imagine having the chance to wander through those iconic film sets yourself! When you visit Morocco’s very own Hollywood, you can explore a Chinese temple, step inside an ancient Egyptian palace, and meander through the streets of Bethlehem. In this blog post, we’re diving into the world of the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, sharing our honest take on this popular, albeit very touristy, attraction.
Tip: Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios is the most unique place to stay in Ouarzazate. It’s the go-to hotel for famous directors and movie stars while they’re shooting their latest projects here. And guess what? You can stay in one of the hotel’s special film-themed rooms!
The Story of How Morocco Became the Hollywood of Africa
Back in 1983, a Moroccan entrepreneur named Mohamed Belghmi had a big dream. He wanted to make Ouarzazate a key center for the film industry. And guess what? He nailed it!
Positioned at the Sahara’s doorstep and under the protective shadow of the Atlas Mountains, this spot offered the perfect mix of stunning landscapes and a climate that’s just right for filmmaking. The warm weather, dependable weather conditions, affordable and now highly skilled labor force, its closeness to Europe, and a terrain that can mimic the natural settings of various countries, all helped the Atlas Studios shoot to fame.
Since it opened its doors, the Atlas Film Studios quickly grew into the biggest film studio in the world by area, a title it proudly holds onto. This achievement is largely thanks to the vast deserts and mountains that belong to the studio, providing ample space for constructing massive film sets.
The studio’s fame took off after the production of “The Jewel of the Nile” in 1985, and even more so after “The Living Daylights” in 1986. But it was the blockbuster “Gladiator” in 1998, directed by Ridley Scott, that truly put Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios on the map as ‘Ouarzawood’. Since then, many renowned directors and famous movie stars have made their way to this Moroccan desert for their film projects.
How to Explore the Atlas Studios
Nestled just on the edge of Ouarzazate, the Atlas Studios are a short, convenient, and inexpensive taxi ride away, covering a distance of just 5 kilometers. The famous village of Ait Ben Haddou is also nearby. For those traveling with a car—whether it’s your own or a rental—you’ll be pleased to find plenty of free parking available at the studios.
Visiting the film studio is exclusively possible through a guided tour. These tours last around 45 minutes and are priced at 80 dirhams per person (which is about 8 euros). Although this isn’t overly expensive, it’s considered to be on the higher side by Moroccan standards. Additionally, there’s an option to check out the Kingdom of Heaven set for an extra 30 dirhams. Make sure to look up the most current ticket prices.
Tours are group-based, meaning you’ll follow your guide from one cinematic set to another. The guides, fluent in both French and English, will list the movies that have utilized each set. They’re impressively knowledgeable, able to recall exact scenes from films or series shot right there, based on questions from the group. Following the explanation, there’s an opportunity to take all kinds of quirky photos. Have you ever fancied sitting on Cleopatra’s throne like royalty? Here’s your shot.
In Conclusion: Is It Worth Visiting the Atlas Studios?
In our eyes, Atlas Studios is both a compelling visit and a somewhat clichéd tourist attraction. If you’re in Ouarzazate or just passing through, we’d suggest making a point to visit.
Initially, we bypassed the film studios on our first Moroccan adventure but felt drawn to them on our second visit. It turned out to be a unique adventure, moving through various film sets in such a short time. From the serene Tibetan monastery in Kundun, through the ancient streets of biblical Israel in The Passion of the Christ, to the grandeur of Cleopatra’s ancient Egyptian palace, the experience is broad and immersive. The nearly real settings are ingeniously created with styrofoam, standalone set walls, and other ingenious methods—just make sure to look from the right angle.
Yet, the attraction unmistakably caters to tourists. Your visit is limited to the duration of the tour, after which you can roam around a general area with some props. The focus of the group tour tends to be on the amusing photo opportunities. We found ourselves among other Dutch visitors, enthusiastically posing on thrones, in carriages, and on staircases, having a blast.
All in all, we view Atlas Studios as both interesting and somewhat disappointing at the same time. Is it a must-visit spot in Morocco? For sure, but only if you’re in the area. We wouldn’t recommend a trip to Ouarzazate just for this attraction, but if your itinerary includes Aït Ben Haddou or a venture into the desert, then absolutely include it! It’s a remarkable way to see and experience a unique slice of Moroccan culture and economy.
