Souk
Place des Ferblantiers — the Lantern Makers' Square
By the Mellah and the Badi Palace, southeast medina
Place des Ferblantiers — the 'square of the tinsmiths' — is an open plaza on the edge of the Mellah, ringed with the workshops of the metalworkers who make Marrakech's iconic pierced-metal lanterns. The ring of small hammers is constant, and doorways glow with lamps waiting to be lit. It's steps from the Mellah spice market, making an easy pairing of food and craft shopping.
Go here for
A working craft square
The ferblantiers cut, pierce and solder sheet metal — brass, copper, nickel silver and painted tin — into the lanterns that light riads across the city. You can watch a lantern take shape, from a punched pattern to a finished lamp fitted for a bulb or a candle. Sizes run from tiny tea-light holders to man-high floor lanterns.
Because the makers are here, you can commission a custom piece or a matching pair, and pick coloured or plain glass. It's one of the most rewarding souvenirs precisely because you can see it made.
Pair it with the Mellah market
The square sits right beside the Mellah spice market and Place des Épices, so a single outing can cover lanterns, spices, olives and preserved lemons — craft and kitchen in one loop, away from the densest tourist crush of the central souks.
The Badi Palace is a two-minute walk, so it's easy to fold sightseeing into the same afternoon.
How to shop like a local
- Check whether a lantern is wired for a bulb or built for a candle before buying, and ask about fitting a plug for home use.
- Look at the metal: solid brass or copper outlasts thin painted tin, and the difference shows in the weight and the joins.
- Commission a matching pair or a custom size if you have time — the makers are right there and often welcome it.
- Choose plain glass over coloured if you want the pierced pattern to throw sharp shadows on the wall.
- Benchmark against the Ensemble Artisanal so you know a fair lantern price before you haggle.
Bargaining etiquette
- Lanterns open high for tourists — counter low, bundle a pair, and be ready to walk.
- Custom work is priced up front; agree the design, size, metal and price before they start.
- Buying directly from the maker's workshop usually beats a middleman stall on price.
What to avoid
- Don't buy thin painted-tin lanterns expecting them to last; they dent and rust — solid brass or copper is worth the extra.
- Avoid paying for 'antique' lamps; almost all are freshly made, which is fine — just don't pay an antique premium.
- Check any electrical fitting is safe and compatible with your country's supply before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Place des Ferblantiers?
It's the metalworkers' square on the edge of the Mellah in Marrakech, ringed with workshops that make the city's famous pierced-metal lanterns. You can watch lanterns being made and buy or commission them directly from the makers.
Can I get a custom lantern made?
Yes. Because the makers work on the square, many will make a custom size, a matching pair or a particular design, with plain or coloured glass. Agree the design, metal and price up front and allow time for the work.
What's nearby?
The Mellah spice market and Place des Épices are right beside it, and the Badi Palace is a two-minute walk — so you can combine lanterns, spices, olives and sightseeing in one easy loop away from the busiest souks.
Keep exploring Marrakech food
Turn your market haul into dinner with a hands-on Marrakech cooking class, walk the souks with a guide on a market food tour, learn the Moroccan spices you just bought, or cook them at home with our Moroccan recipes. For the bigger picture, browse our food culture guides.