Game of Thrones Ait Benhaddou Morocco
Game of Thrones Ait Benhaddou Morocco
The Aït Benhaddou is a famous fortified city (ksar) located in Morocco. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been featured in numerous films and television series, including being a prominent location in HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Here’s more about its significance in the series:
1. **Yunkai**:
In “Game of Thrones,” Aït Benhaddou served as the filming location for the city of Yunkai. Yunkai is one of the three great Slaver Cities of Slaver’s Bay, located on the continent of Essos. It’s known for its slave trade and is an important location in Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline.
2. **Season 3**:
Aït Benhaddou prominently appeared in Season 3 of “Game of Thrones.” In the show, Daenerys and her army approach the city of Yunkai, which is depicted by scenes filmed at Aït Benhaddou. The location’s distinctive architecture and desert surroundings provided the perfect setting for portraying the fictional city.
3.
**Cultural Significance**:
Aït Benhaddou’s appearance in “Game of Thrones” further heightened its cultural significance and increased tourism to the site. Visitors from around the world come to see the iconic location featured in the popular TV series.
4.
**Other Film Appearances**:
Apart from “Game of Thrones,” Aït Benhaddou has been featured in various other films, including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator,” and “The Mummy.” Its unique appearance and historical significance make it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking exotic and ancient settings.
5.
**Tourism**:
The popularity of “Game of Thrones” has led to an increase in tourism to Aït Benhaddou and other filming locations in Morocco. Visitors can explore the maze-like streets of the ksar, learn about its history, and experience the allure of a real-life location that has captured the imagination of millions through television and film.
Overall, Aït Benhaddou’s portrayal as Yunkai in “Game of Thrones” has not only contributed to the show’s visual appeal but has also added to the cultural legacy and tourism of this remarkable Moroccan landmark.
Other cities in Morocco
Game of Thrones Ait Benhaddou Morocco
In addition to Aït Benhaddou’s portrayal as Yunkai, several other locations in Morocco were used as filming spots for “Game of Thrones.” Here are some notable ones:
1.
**Essaouira**:
This coastal city served as the backdrop for Astapor, another one of the three great Slaver Cities in Slaver’s Bay. Astapor is where Daenerys Targaryen acquires her army of Unsullied soldiers. The city’s distinctive architecture and seaside setting provided a suitable atmosphere for depicting this significant location in the series.2.
**Ouarzazate**:
Known as the “door of the desert,” Ouarzazate is a popular filming location in Morocco and has been used for various scenes in “Game of Thrones.” Apart from serving as a base for filming around Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate itself has appeared in the series. Its desert landscapes and ancient kasbahs make it an ideal setting for portraying the vast, arid regions of Essos.3.
**Atlas Mountains**:
The rugged terrain and majestic peaks of the Atlas Mountains have also been utilized for filming certain scenes in “Game of Thrones.” These mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for many outdoor sequences, particularly those set in the Dothraki Sea or other wilderness areas.4.
**Ksar of Tamdaght**:
This traditional Moroccan village, located near Ouarzazate, has also been featured in “Game of Thrones.” Its mud-brick structures and labyrinthine alleys provided the perfect setting for portraying the rustic villages and settlements of Essos.5.
**Desert Landscapes**:
Various scenes set in the deserts of Essos were filmed in the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Its vast expanses of sand dunes and rocky outcrops helped create the otherworldly atmosphere of Daenerys’ journey through the eastern continent.These locations in Morocco not only offered stunning backdrops for “Game of Thrones” but also contributed to the series’ visual richness and immersive world-building. They showcased the diverse landscapes and architectural wonders of the country, attracting tourists and further cementing Morocco’s reputation as a prime filming destination.
Game of Thrones Ait Benhaddou Morocco
