Kingdoms of Heaven

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25 AUGUST 2004
'ALEXANDER'- Morocco
The north African country of Morocco has a long history of expelling foreign invaders, but its people bade a warm welcome to Alexander the Great when he arrived in the city of Marrakech last year. Of course, their delight at seeing history's most famous conqueror arrive on their shores might have something to do with the fact that he was coming via Hollywood.

Colin Farrell, who stars in the epic, was soon espousing the delights of the country. Along with his co-stars Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins, the Irish hunk set up home in the luxurious Le Meridien hotel, nestled in five hectares of gardens.

When the time came to get down to work, the crew left the city behind and headed out into the desert. The Western Sahara's awe-inspiring dunes have become a popular destination for city folk looking for an escape with a difference.

Morocco is also well-known for its beautiful beaches and it is even possible to spend a day or two on the ski slopes, by heading for the Rif and High Atlas mountains. It is in the cities where the country's wealth of culture is most impressive, though. Morocco is just a short jump from Spain's southern coast, but the souks and kasbahs of Fez and Rabat offer an experience that seems a world away.