Mellah of Marrakesh

The Mellah is the historic Jewish quarter of Marrakesh, established in the sixteenth century near the royal palace in the southern medina. For centuries it was home to a large community of merchants, artisans and metalworkers, and its dense lanes still hold synagogues, a restored cemetery and balconied houses that differ from the surrounding districts. Much has been renovated in recent years, and the Lazama Synagogue and adjacent spice and jewellery souks draw visitors interested in the layered heritage of the city.