Souk Haddadine: the blacksmiths and wrought iron of the medina

Souk Haddadine is the blacksmiths' quarter, in the northern part of the Marrakech souks. You hear the hammers before you see the workshops: iron is still worked by hand here to make lanterns, openwork lamps, grilles, doors, low tables, mirror frames and hardware. Less crowded than souk Semmarine, it gives a more authentic picture of the medina craftsmen's work. Entry is free; the hanging lanterns are one of the best photo subjects in the souks.

Highlights

Lanterns and openwork iron lamps

Lanterns of all sizes hang in front of the shops; the cut-out patterns throw shadows on the walls once lit. Check the finish (welds, paint, openwork) and the electrical fitting before buying if you want to take one home.

Forges at work

At the end of the lanes, craftsmen hammer iron in front of their workshops. Watch from a distance and ask before photographing. For the medina's other trades (leather, rugs, babouches), see our Marrakech souks and Marrakech artisans.

Nearby

See on the map →

Dyers' Souk: dyed wool and silk in the Marrakech medina The dyers' souk (souk Sebbaghine) is a narrow lane of the medina, near the Mouassine... 2 min walk

Souk Semmarine: the main artery of the Marrakech souks Souk Semmarine is the covered lane that starts on the north side of Jemaa el-Fna square... 4 min walk

Fondouks of Marrakech: the old caravanserais of the medina The fondouk is the old caravanserai of Maghreb cities: an enclosed building arranged... 4 min walk

Dar Bellarj: the house of storks and its exhibitions Dar Bellarj, "the house of storks", is a cultural centre set in a large house in the... 4 min walk