About
The Souk des Ferronniers, also known as the Souk des Forgerons, is an artisan quarter in Fes, Morocco. It is a working place rather than a showpiece: blacksmiths here shape decorative locks, wrought-iron lanterns and copper objects using techniques that have been passed down through generations.
What to expect
Walking through the quarter, you move from one workshop to the next, and the craft is visible at every step. You can watch the metal being hammered and shaped on the anvil, and the ringing of the hammer fills the narrow lanes, giving the place its distinctive atmosphere. Much of the work is done in front of you, so the visit feels close to the everyday life of the craftspeople rather than a display arranged for guests.
Why visit
- See traditional metalwork, from ornate locks to lanterns and copper pieces, being made by hand.
- Listen to the sound of the forge, which sets the mood of the quarter as much as the objects do.
- Combine the visit with a wider exploration of Fes, a city whose old centre is full of craft quarters and markets.
The Souk des Ferronniers suits visitors interested in crafts, workshops and the sounds and rhythms of a working market. Go slowly, keep an open mind about what you see, and allow time to pause at the workshops that catch your eye.