Ouirgane | |
---|---|
Rural commune and town | |
Coordinates: 31°11′N 8°5′W / 31.183°N 8.083°W | |
Country | Morocco |
Region | Marrakesh-Safi |
Province | Al Haouz Province |
Population (2004) | |
• Total | 6,916 |
Time zone | UTC+0 ( WET) |
• Summer ( DST) | UTC+1 ( WEST) |
Ouirgane is a small town and rural commune in Al Haouz Province of the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region of Morocco. At the time of the 2004 census, the commune had a total population of 6916 people living in 1281 households. [1] It is a Berber village.
Ouirgane is situated in the High Atlas mountains in the heart of the Toubkal National Park at about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level. [2] [3] By road it is located 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) southwest of Asni and 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Marrakesh along the S501 road. [4] [3] The Oued Nfis River flows through the valley of the commune. [5] The village itself lies on the eastern bank of the reservoir and barrage which dams the Oued Nfis river. [6] The village is set amongst olive trees.
Ouirgane has a souq noted for its Berber pottery [7] the Tin Mal Mosque, a ruined kasbah, and several salt mines in the vicinity. [7] There are also two notable hotels with facing gardens; a stream near the hotels "drains the western face of Jbel Toubkal". [8] La Roseraie hotel has horse-riding facilities to accommodate the many tourists who visit during the summer months; [9] it also has a health center above the mineral stream. [8] The Auberge au Sanglier qui Fume is a hunter's lodge. [10] Tagadirt n'Bour is constructed of drystone walls and is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the village. [11]