The Sound Of The Souks

Category: The Mellah

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Grand Bijouterie.

    A jewellery souk selling precious metals by weight.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Grand Bijouterie is a small ornate jewellery arcade located in the Mellah district of Marrakech. An impressive carved stucco arch opposite Bahia Palace leads into this enclosed souk. Inside, small jewellery shops stock rings, gold bangles, silver chains, gem-encrusted belts, watches, and semi-precious stones. You will find traditional Moroccan pieces, as well as delicate filigree designs from India. Gold is sold by the ounce here, so keep an eye on the current market value of gold and silver. Especially if you’re a serious shopper of precious metals.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Many imported designs are available in the jewellery souk. However, you can still watch local artisans at work plying their trade. Buying gold and silver from the makers themselves avoids any middlemen. This makes it a sustainable source of income for them.

    The small souk is home to a number of outlets, including Bijouterie EL Wady, a highly regarded jeweller in Marrakech specializing in authentic, traditional Moroccan and Berber pieces. The inside of the jewellery arcade is decorated in traditional zellige tiles with a fountain in the centre. The address is Rue Bab Mellah, in the Jewish quarter south of the medina. It is next to Tinsmiths Square. Opening hours are 9.00am until 9.30pm, occasionally closed on Thursdays.

    When buying any precious metals, be sure to check that they come with a certification of authenticity.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Place Des Ferblantiers.

    Visiting Tinsmiths Square in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Tinsmiths Square is located to the south of Jamaa El Fna. It is within the Mellah, the oldest Jewish quarter of Marrakech. This quieter area of Marrakech is often overlooked by tourists.

    It is here that skilled artisans make their wares to sell using traditional methods passed down through generations. Beautifully crafted jewellery, lamps, and traditional daggers made from copper and tinplate are skillfully handcrafted in this fascinating area of the city.

    Tinsmiths Square presents a calmer alternative to Jamaa El Fna with palm trees lining the pedestrian friendly walkway. It connects the old Jewish district with the Muslim quarter.

    Tinsmiths Square is a vibrant area with lots of spice shops, cafes, and restaurants with rooftop terraces. Shops sell intricately carved items made in small workshops. There are several benches around the square to sit and take in the sights and sounds and a fountain in the centre. Fun games occasionally take place, and the square also hosts events.

    Cats roam freely across the square and are a popular sight, lazing in the plant pots and flower beds. Sometimes, they are quite cheeky and make themselves comfortable on tourist’s laps.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Place des Ferblantiers is close to popular sightseeing spots like The Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and The Saadian Tombs. The Kasbah is just a short walk away.

    I love Tinsmiths Square. There are some great cafes and restaurants and I have bought some interesting souvenirs here. There is a great vibe, and the pace is much more relaxed than in the densely packed medina.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I was spoilt for choice with all the fragrant spice shops in the square selling everything from eucalyptus to argan oil. The friendly vendors happily educate you on what each remedy is used for and what the different types of tea are good for. Browsing leisurely around the spice shops is an explosion of colour and pungent aromas.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    If you want a slower, less touristic place to spend a few hours, don’t miss out on visiting Tinsmiths Square. There are a few budget restaurants, and Medina Mall, which is home to the popular Fluffys dessert cafe, is close to the square.

    Tinsmiths Square is an exciting area of Marrakech, and you can get taxis from the taxi rank near the roundabout to get to other areas of the city from here.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Malah Cafe Restaurant.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is located in Place des Ferblantiers, otherwise known as Tinsmiths Square.

    It is in the oldest Jewish quarter of the city towards the south of Jamaa, El Fna. This is the area where  artisans make things out of copper and tinplate, using skills passed down from generation to generation. There are shops selling traditional daggers, jewellery, tea trays, incense burners, and lamps.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is one of the many places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. The food served here is traditional morroccan and international cuisine. I had a panini and fries with a smoothie. It was much cheaper in comparison to the main square. The portion was large, and the food was tasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is plenty to see around Mallah Cafe restaurant. Shaded under a large umbrella, I watched stray cats wandering to and fro across the square. Occasionally, there are events taking place here. The area is also pedestrianised.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I enjoy spending time in Tinsmiths Square. It’s not as busy as other places around the medina. Finding an outdoor place to eat where I can watch things going on is a bonus. Malah Cafe restaurant is budget friendly too, which is another plus.

    There is a good selection on the menu at Malah Cafe restaurant. They also serve food suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Opening times are 8.30am until 11.00pm.The address is 23 Place des Ferblantiers

    The Mellah is home to a huge selection of herbs and spices. Don’t forget to check them out whilst visiting Tinsmiths Square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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