'The Odyssey' filmed here? Three Moroccan landmarks that drew 2,000 extras

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' spotted, mystery of the red desert where a 10.7-meter horse was built

Three Moroccan landmarks that drew 2,000 extras, from a UNESCO World Heritage site to an Atlantic port, come into focus

As legendary director 'Christopher Nolan''s new film 'The Odyssey' becomes a global talking point, curiosity is growing about the primary filming locations that brought the ancient world vividly to life. Morocco's national tourism office on the 19th unveiled three key 'Morocco' landmarks that transformed the film's sweeping vision into reality.

A reinterpretation of Homer's ancient epic, the film follows Odysseus' struggle to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Earth-toned fortresses, Atlantic ports and vibrant traditional urban culture became more than backdrops; they emerged as characters in their own right. The area around 'Ouarzazate', in particular, is reaffirming its reputation as the 'Hollywood of the desert' thanks to its solid infrastructure and is rapidly emerging as a global destination for film tourism.

Ancient fortress carved from red earth becomes the heart of Troy

Located near Ouarzazate in southern Morocco, 'Ait Ben Haddou' serves as the setting that brings the spirit of the ancient city of Troy to life. Its traditional buildings, molded from red earth, and sturdy walls stand at the heart of the former trade route linking the Sahara region with Marrakech. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. The production team enhanced the naturally striking village with meticulously crafted temporary sets, setting the stage for the spectacular opening of the Battle of Troy. The historic location has already attracted Hollywood blockbusters including 'Gladiator', 'The Mummy' and 'Game of Thrones'.

Atlantic winds and a 10.7-meter giant horse complete the film's breathtaking scale

The Atlantic port city of 'Essaouira' provided the setting for the discovery of the Trojan horse, one of the film's climactic moments, as well as the scene in which Odysseus and his companions set sail. A massive, life-size 'Trojan horse' measuring 10.7 meters was erected on the set, while about 2,000 extras were brought in to maximize the visual spectacle. With its medina of white walls and blue doors, along with ramparts overlooking the Atlantic, Essaouira is a coastal city with diverse appeal, offering handcrafted goods, seafood cuisine and windsurfing.

Red city of winding streets evokes the grandeur of an old-world palace

Finally, 'Marrakech' brought the intimate spaces of Menelaus' palace to the screen in lavish detail. The production team drew on Morocco's finely detailed traditional decorations and architectural aesthetic to fully revive the majesty of an ancient royal palace. Known as the 'Red City,' Marrakech is a cultural melting pot centered on its UNESCO-listed medina, with lavish palaces, gardens and souks clustered throughout. Visitors can walk through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and its maze of interwoven alleyways to witness Morocco's traditional way of life firsthand.