Where Sparks Fly: the hidden iron workshops of the Souks.

Lying at the northern point of the world famous Souks, hidden down a small alleyway off the main Souk passageways, it is possible to find a row of Iron workshops inhabited by local Marrakchis. Although this spot remains uncharted on the majority of tourist maps and guides, if you download our MarrakechRiad app and follow the ‘Iron and Clay’ Medina walk it is easy to navigate towards this secret corner of Marrakech.

Whilst exploring this area we spoke to Hakim, a local iron worker who invited us into his small workshop to show us the beautiful iron gate he was making. Hakim was reluctant to have his photograph taken (a common occurrence in Marrakech). Indeed, at this point in the Iron and Clay walk, it is important to remember that you are venturing into someone’s place of work; but it is this rare intimacy that makes this small section of the Souk so special: it is possible to glimpse the wonders of Marrakech beyond the tourist gaze as the iron designs that so popular across all of Marrakech and a remain a prominent feature in all of our Riads, are constructed in front of your eyes.

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This area of the Souks are just a 5 minutes walk from Riad Cinnamon and Riad Star at the heart of the Medina. If you would like to find out more about the free MarrakechRiad app, the ‘Iron and Clay’ walk or any of our other Medina walks then our Riad staff would be happy to help.