The short answer
The Mellah is the old Jewish quarter of Marrakech, in the south of the medina next to the Bahia Palace. It has narrow lanes with balconies over the street, a covered spice market, Place des Ferblantiers (the tinsmiths' square), a Jewish cemetery and the Lazama synagogue, still opened to visitors by its caretaker.
In more detail
The Lazama synagogue, Slat al-Azama, traces its congregation to Jews who came to Morocco after the expulsion from Spain in 1492. It keeps its own hours and is closed on the Sabbath, so check before you go.
The covered market is the Mellah's everyday heart: cones of spices, olives and preserved lemons. Place des Ferblantiers, at its edge, is the old tinsmiths' square, with street snacks on the go.
Mid-morning is the best time, when the market is busy. It is easy to combine with the Bahia Palace and the walk along Riad Zitoun from Jemaa el-Fnaa, which is the old route from the square to the Jewish quarter.
The Kasbah, with the Saadian Tombs and the ruins of El Badi palace, is a short walk away, so the south of the medina makes a good half-day on its own: the Bahia first thing, the Mellah mid-morning, the tombs after lunch.
Good to know
- Go mid-morning for the market.
- Check the synagogue's hours; closed on the Sabbath.
- Ask before photographing people or homes.