A 19th-century Glaoui kasbah of rammed earth in the heart of Ouarzazate.
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Rammed-earth (pisé) architecture
In central Ouarzazate on Avenue Mohammed V
Krupp field gun displayed outside
Kasbah Taourirt is a fortified rammed-earth residence on the eastern edge of Ouarzazate, one of the finest examples of Atlas Mountain kasbah architecture. It was owned and expanded by the powerful Glaoui family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Krupp field gun that helped secure Glaoui power still stands outside the structure. A maze of interlocking towers, courtyards and reception rooms, parts of the kasbah have been restored and are open to visitors.
Why visit
Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate is one of the finest surviving Glaoui kasbahs and a landmark of Atlas Mountain rammed-earth architecture.
Owned and expanded by the powerful Glaoui family from the late 19th century, it once housed the clan and its retinue in a dense cluster of towers and courtyards.
A Krupp field gun that helped secure Glaoui power still stands outside the walls.
What to expect
A dense warren of towers, courtyards and reception rooms decorated with carved plaster, painted ceilings and small windows; only part of the vast complex is restored and accessible.
The kasbah faces the Ouarzazate artisanal complex and the Cinema Museum, making it easy to combine on foot.
Best time
Morning light is kindest on the ochre walls and the interior courtyards are cooler earlier in the day.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons in Ouarzazate; summer afternoons are very hot.
Price range
Kasbah Taourirt, in the heart of Ouarzazate, charges a modest entry fee of roughly 20–25 MAD per adult.
It is open daily, and restoration after the 2023 earthquake means only part of the kasbah is currently accessible.
Bring cash; guides may offer their services outside for an extra fee.
Practical tips
The kasbah stands on the eastern edge of central Ouarzazate along Avenue Mohammed V, an easy walk from the town centre.
Pair a visit with the Cinema Museum and artisan stalls directly opposite for a compact half-day in town.
The kasbah was owned and expanded by the powerful Glaoui family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It served as one of the clan's residences and administrative bases in the Ouarzazate region.
It stands on the eastern edge of central Ouarzazate along Avenue Mohammed V, directly opposite the Cinema Museum and the town's artisanal complex, within easy walking distance of the centre.
The restored section reveals a maze of towers, courtyards and reception rooms decorated with carved plaster and painted ceilings. Outside, a Krupp field gun linked to Glaoui power is on display. Only part of the large complex is currently accessible.
