Discover the recently renovated Mellah, an amazing place in the heart of Marrakech.
The creation of the Mellah of Marrakech, or Jewish quarter, dates back to the 16th century, under the reign of the Saâdian Sultan Moulay Abdallah. Created at that time to ensure the safety of the Jewish population who had fled Spain and worked for the Sultan, this district was recently renovated and is a visit to be done in Marrakech. Located very close to the Bahia Palace and the el-Badi Palace, it is protected by high walls and gates that allow access into it.
In the maze of the alleys of the Mellah
You have to get lost in this maze of small streets, and walk in the middle of the multitude of small intertwined houses. Their architecture is very different from the other houses in the Medina, with some windows and balconies facing the outside. The street signs are in Hebrew.
The place des ferblantiers and the covered market
What most impressed visitors to the Mellah? There are people and entertainment, but everything seems more peaceful than in the rest of the Medina. The Place des Ferblantiers, also renovated a few years ago, is spacious and very pleasant with its small fountain in the centre. The metalworkers are busy all around in their shops, and the covered market hosts the spice souk, wholesale or retail, reputed to be the most abundant and with the most attractive prices. There are also herbalists, fabrics, jewellery, body care products, ointments...
The Al Azama Synagogue
You can also visit the Al Azama synagogue, and admire its patio, paintings and white and blue zelliges. The Jewish community numbered nearly 50,000 people before the 1950s in Marrakech, since the creation of the State of Israel, there are now about a hundred of them. The synagogue continues its services every week.
The Jewish cemetery adjoins the Muslim cemetery
Don't miss the Miaâra, a stunning Jewish cemetery, the largest in Morocco, remarkable for its triangular brick and mortar tombs, covered with white lime for those that have been restored. This visit is an opportunity to learn a little more about this community that lived in peace and tolerance in the heart of Marrakech.
After your walk in the Mellah, come and enjoy our terrace with a panoramic view at Le Foundouk restaurant, a little over twenty minutes walk from the Place des Ferblantiers.
