The Mellah is the historic Jewish quarter of Marrakech, established in the 16th century beside the royal Kasbah. Once home to a large Jewish community, it keeps its distinctive tall houses with balconies, a lively spice-and-jewellery market, and the Lazama Synagogue (Slat Al Azama) with its blue-tiled courtyard.
Where is the Mellah and how to get there
In the south-east medina, next to Bahia Palace and Place des Ferblantiers. About a 15-minute walk south from Jemaa el-Fna.
Opening hours and entrance
The quarter is a public neighbourhood you can walk freely and for free. The Lazama Synagogue is open to visitors most days (closed on Shabbat/Saturday) for a small donation or fee of a few dozen dirhams. The nearby Miâara Jewish cemetery can also be visited. Entrance fees for Marrakech’s monuments are set by Morocco’s Ministry of Culture and reviewed from time to time, so treat any figure as a guide. The current price is posted at the ticket office, tickets are bought on site (bring cash in dirhams — cards are rarely accepted), and children usually pay a reduced rate.
What to see in the Mellah
- The Lazama Synagogue — a working synagogue around a blue-and-white courtyard.
- The spice and jewellery souks — the Mellah was historically the goldsmiths’ quarter.
- The Miâara cemetery — one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Morocco.
Tips for your visit
Dress modestly for the synagogue and check it is not Saturday. A guide helps you find the sights in the maze of lanes.
Visit the Mellah and Lazama Synagogue with a licensed local guide
the Mellah and Lazama Synagogue rewards a little context. Our guides are officially licensed by the Moroccan authorities, speak English, French and Spanish, and meet you right on Jemaa el-Fna square — so you get the history, the symbolism and the shortcuts, without the guesswork.
- Hire a private licensed guide in Marrakech — from €20, build your own monuments route.
- Marrakech Monuments & Souks tour — a guided 3-hour walk, from €22 per person.
Book a licensed guide on WhatsApp
More Marrakech monuments
See them all in our complete guide to Marrakech monuments — with fees, hours and locations. Popular next stops: Bahia Palace · Saadian Tombs · Koutoubia Mosque · Majorelle Garden.
New to the medina? Start with our complete Jemaa el-Fna guide.