Mellah of Marrakech: the old Jewish quarter, its synagogue and cemetery

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Mellah is the old Jewish quarter of Marrakech, created in 1558 by the Saadian sultan Moulay Abdallah al-Ghalib next to the El Badi Palace and the Royal Palace. It had up to about 40,000 Jewish residents in the late 1940s; today the community numbers only about 200 people. Long called Hay Essalam, the district got back the name El Mellah in 2017, and several streets their historic names, following a rehabilitation programme ordered by King Mohammed VI. You can visit a working synagogue, the largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco and a covered market used by local residents.

Highlights

The Slat al-Azama Synagogue

On Rue Talmoud Torah, it is also called the Lazama Synagogue; tradition dates its founding to 1492, the year Jews were expelled from Spain. Its courtyard, tiled in blue and white zellige, is lined with rooms, one of which displays photos and documents on the history of the Jews of Morocco. It is still a place of worship and is closed on Saturdays.

The Miâara Cemetery

East of the district, this cemetery founded in the 15th century is the largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco, with more than 20,000 whitewashed graves. The graves are divided into sections for men, women and children, and several mausoleums of revered rabbis line the enclosure. The caretaker charges an entrance fee.

The derbs of the Mellah

The narrow lanes, lined with houses with wooden and wrought-iron balconies, carry zellige street signs. Several have recovered names recalling the Jewish history of the district.

The covered market and Place des Ferblantiers

Near the entrance to the district, the Mellah covered market sells spices, dried fruit and flowers, with a mostly local clientele. The neighbouring Place des Ferblantiers is ringed by metal lantern workshops and café terraces.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The district is free to enter. At the synagogue, a small contribution is requested at the entrance; at the cemetery, the caretaker charges an entrance fee, payable in cash. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees for both places. The Mellah is a lived-in district: ask before photographing residents, and be wary of passers-by who claim the synagogue is closed in order to steer you to a shop.

How to get there

Main entrance via Place des Ferblantiers, Avenue Houmman el-Fetouaki, in the south-east of the medina On foot from Jemaa el-Fna square: about 15 minutes via Rue Riad Zitoun el-Jdid, or 5 minutes from the El Badi Palace By petit taxi: ask for "Place des Ferblantiers" or "Mellah"