Essaouira, a peaceful seaside city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, has become one of the most popular filming locations in the country. With its historic medina, blue-and-white houses, old fortress walls, and windy beaches, the city offers a perfect backdrop for filmmakers from around the world. Many directors choose Essaouira because it feels timeless, dramatic, and full of culture. Today, it is known as a major movie outpost in Morocco, and many famous productions have used it to bring their stories to life.
In this article, we will explore several movies made in Morocco, especially those filmed in Essaouira. We will also look at why the city is so attractive to producers and what visitors can see today. Whether you are a film fan, a traveler, or simply curious about cinema, you will enjoy discovering how Essaouira became a shining star on the screen.
Why Essaouira Attracts Filmmakers
Essaouira has been used again and again by international film crews because it offers:
Historic architecture that looks ancient but is still well preserved
Wide coastal landscapes perfect for dramatic scenes
Affordable production costs compared to Europe or the US
Friendly local support for film teams
A unique mix of African, Arab, and European styles
Because of these qualities, directors can use Essaouira to represent different fictional worlds, from fantasy cities to historical trading ports. This makes it a reliable movie outpost in Morocco for both big productions and small independent films.
Famous TV Shows Filmed in Essaouira
1. Game of Thrones (GOT Essaouira)
One of the most famous productions to use Essaouira is Game of Thrones, the worldwide hit series from HBO. Many fans know that some scenes in season 3 were filmed here. In the show, Essaouira appears as the city of Astapor, where Daenerys Targaryen meets the Unsullied army.
The old fortified walls, stone paths, and sea-facing towers fit perfectly with the fantasy world of the show. This is why many fans still search for GOT Essaouira to see exactly where their favorite scenes were shot.
You can still visit:
The Skala de la Ville, the long seaside fortress wall
The old cannons facing the sea
The narrow medina streets used in crowd scenes
These real locations create an amazing experience for fans who want to relive the magic of the show.
2. Killing Eve
The hit series Killing Eve also chose Essaouira for several outdoor scenes. The town’s calm atmosphere and bright colors helped the show highlight both beauty and mystery. This international production once again proved how Essaouira can transform into many settings, whether European, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean.
3. Messiah (Netflix)
The Netflix series Messiah filmed several important scenes in Essaouira. The old streets and desert-like surroundings supported the show’s dramatic and religious themes. Many Moroccans took part as extras, showing how open the city is to working with foreign productions.
Popular Movies Filmed in Essaouira
Essaouira has also attracted filmmakers long before modern TV streaming existed. Several well-known movies made Essaouira their filming base.
1. Othello (1952)
The classic film Othello, directed by Orson Welles, is one of the earliest and most famous movies made in Morocco. Much of the film was shot in Essaouira’s medina and fortress areas. The city’s dark stone walls and dramatic sea views matched the tragic mood of Shakespeare’s story.
Orson Welles loved Essaouira so much that he even has a memorial square named after him. This film helped introduce the city to the world of cinema and started a long tradition of filmmaking there.
2. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Ridley Scott’s epic film Kingdom of Heaven, starring Orlando Bloom, was filmed mostly in Morocco. Essaouira played a part in creating the look of ancient Middle Eastern cities. The medina’s sandy colors and historical atmosphere made it a natural choice.
3. Alexander (2004)
Directed by Oliver Stone, the movie Alexander also used Morocco for large segments, including Essaouira. The wide beaches and desert landscapes helped create scenes showing the journey of Alexander the Great across the ancient world.
4. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
This American action-adventure film, based on the popular video game, used several Moroccan locations. Essaouira offered strong visuals for marketplace scenes and shots of ancient city walls. The dramatic Atlantic coastline also added movement and energy to the film.
Other Notable Productions Filmed in Essaouira
Beyond the well-known blockbusters, many smaller but creative films have chosen Essaouira because of its charm and authenticity.
Examples include:
The Red Sea Diving Resort
Son of God
Salvo
Various French and Italian productions
Music videos and travel documentaries
Essaouira is not only a movie outpost in Morocco, but a creative hub where artists, film students, and independent directors come to experiment and find inspiration.
What Makes Essaouira So Special On Screen?
Many filmmakers say that Essaouira feels “frozen in time.” The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which helps preserve its traditional look. The strong Atlantic wind, known as “alizé,” creates movement in every scene, making shots feel alive.
Some reasons Essaouira stands out:
The mix of blue and white colors makes scenes visually soft and beautiful
The ocean adds power, drama, and a sense of freedom
The people bring warmth and culture to the background of films
The architecture looks ancient but clean and safe
Because of this combination, many movies made in Morocco choose Essaouira instead of more modern cities.
Visiting Essaouira: A True Cinema Tour
If you love movies, Essaouira is the perfect place for a film-themed trip. You can walk through the same streets where Daenerys stood, explore the fortress cannons seen in Game of Thrones, or visit the square honoring Orson Welles.
Film-friendly places to visit:
Skala de la Ville
Mellah (old Jewish quarter)
Essaouira Medina
Port of Essaouira
Beach of Essaouira
Along the way, you can enjoy fresh seafood, shop in local handicraft stalls, and watch windsurfers ride the strong waves.
Conclusion
Essaouira is not only a beautiful coastal town but also an important center for filmmaking in Morocco. From GOT Essaouira locations to classic movies, the city continues to attract producers from all over the world. Its rich history, amazing scenery, and friendly atmosphere allow it to shine on screen again and again.
Whether you are a traveler, a cinema lover, or simply curious, visiting this movie outpost in Morocco will give you a new appreciation for how films are made and how real places bring stories to life.
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