Atlas Studios

Hollywood discovered Morocco in the 1960s and never left. Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the world by area, has hosted Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Game of Thrones, and dozens of other productions that needed desert, cheap labour, and cooperative authorities. The tour passes sets left standing from previous productions: an Egyptian temple, a Tibetan monastery, a section of Jerusalem. Some are detailed; others are obvious facades. The craft is in the illusion — plaster painted to look like stone, forced perspective to fake distance. The experience is kitschy but interesting. You're seeing the backstage of the movie industry, the economies of production that bring blockbusters to a town of 70,000 in southern Morocco. The studios still operate; you may see construction for the next production. Best time: Morning (less hot) Allow: 1.5-2 hours Combine with: Taourirt Kasbah