Essaouira, the beautiful coastal city of Morocco, has become one of the most loved filming locations in the world. With its strong Atlantic winds, old stone walls, and blue-and-white buildings, the city looks like a place from another time. Because of this unique charm, many directors choose Essaouira when working on movies made in Morocco. The city is often used as an exotic or historical setting, making it feel like a movie outpost in Morocco, where fantasy and history meet.

Today, Essaouira is not only famous for its beaches and culture but also for being part of several popular Hollywood movies and TV shows. Travelers who visit the city often try to walk through the same streets where famous actors once stood. Below is a friendly guide to some of the biggest productions that came to Essaouira and how they helped the city gain worldwide attention.

One of the most famous shows connected to the city is Game of Thrones, and many fans know this as “GOT Essaouira.” Essaouira was used to represent Astapor, the Red City, where Daenerys Targaryen meets the Unsullied army for the first time.

The walls of the Skala de la Kasbah and the fortress architecture matched the strong, ancient look needed for the show. The producers wanted a location that looked powerful but also mystical, and Essaouira was perfect.

• Daenerys walking through the marketplace of Astapor

• The training area of the Unsullied

• The moment she frees the soldiers and takes command

Fans still visit these sites to take photos or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Because of the global popularity of GOT, tourists started calling the filming spots “GOT Essaouira,” which helped attract more visitors from around the world.

Another major production filmed in Essaouira is Kingdom of Heaven, directed by Ridley Scott. The movie tells a story about the Crusades and needed a place that looked ancient, dramatic, and historically rich.

• The city walls were used as part of Jerusalem in the movie.

• Some scenes showing knights arriving by sea were shot along the Essaouira coastline.

• Medieval-style markets were recreated inside the old medina.

Essaouira’s old stones and natural lighting created an authentic historical feeling, making it one of the most memorable locations used in the film.

The film Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, also chose Essaouira when looking for a place that could show ancient cities and battle settings. The production team wanted dramatic landscapes, cultural textures, and unique backgrounds, all of which Essaouira offered naturally.

• Wide open spaces on the coast

• Strong, textured architecture that looks timeless

• A natural environment that fits many eras of history

Even today, fans of historical films visit Essaouira because of this cinema connection.

One of the earliest international movies shot in the city was Othello by Orson Welles. He filmed many scenes in Essaouira because the city looked exactly like the world he wanted to show on screen.

• It placed Essaouira on the map as a movie location.

• The locals still talk about Orson Welles and his time in Morocco.

• A statue of Welles stands near the city as a reminder of this famous production.

Because of this movie, Essaouira became known as one of the first great movie outposts in Morocco. Many other directors followed because of Welles’ choice.

In recent years, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum filmed some scenes in Morocco, including parts in Essaouira. The mix of classic architecture and modern action scenes created a striking contrast.

• The dusty, sunlit streets

• The dynamic movement between old markets and fortress paths

• A blend of ancient and modern visuals that fans loved

The film helped show that Essaouira is not only good for historical or fantasy movies but also for modern action productions.

Why Filmmakers Love Essaouira

Essaouira is now known as one of the most flexible and interesting filming destinations in North Africa. Directors pick this city for many reasons:

• Old city walls

• Historic towers

• Blue-and-white houses

• Narrow, dramatic alleys

These elements create a sense of time and place that is perfect for adventure, fantasy, and historical films.

The city gets strong sunlight for most of the year, making it easier for film crews to shoot scenes without waiting for weather changes.

Many production teams say that Morocco, especially Essaouira, is easier and more affordable than other filming places. This is one reason it continues to grow as a movie outpost in Morocco.

Essaouira has a long history influenced by African, Arab, Amazigh, and European cultures. This gives filmmakers many visual and creative options when building their stories.

Other Movies Made in Morocco That Include Essaouira or Its Style

While not all films shot directly in the city, many movies made in Morocco use Essaouira as a reference point because of its unique atmosphere.

Some examples include:

• The Mummy (1999) – filmed in other Moroccan cities but stylistically similar

• Inception – scenes shot in Tangier but the old-city feel is similar to Essaouira

• Babel – shows the raw beauty of Morocco's landscapes

• Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – used Moroccan streets and markets reminiscent of Essaouira’s charm

These films helped spread the reputation of Morocco as a favorite global filming destination.

Conclusion

Essaouira is a magical place where the past and present live together. The city has earned its fame as a filming hotspot through productions like Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Othello, Alexander, and John Wick 3. Its natural beauty, strong cultural identity, and timeless architecture make it the perfect setting for directors from all over the world.

Today, people who explore Essaouira are not only tourists—they are also fans walking through real-life movie scenes. Whether you call it GOT Essaouira, a treasure among movies made in Morocco, or a proud movie outpost in Morocco, one thing is clear: Essaouira will continue to shine on the world’s screens for years to come.