Ouarzazate is a city of strategic and historic importance, sadly not really reflected in the determinedly modern architecture. It is however a great base and staging post for exploration of the kasbahs, valleys and desert of the south, and possesses a couple of interesting kasbahs itself. Taourirt is the best of these, and has been restored, now standing at the heart of a complex of traditional housing, craft shops and cafés. It is likely you will pass through and stay in or near Ouarzazate at least once on any itinerary that includes a visit to the desert and southern oases valleys.