Place Seffarine
Fez, Morocco · Neighborhood
About Place Seffarine
Place Seffarine is a historic square tucked deep in the heart of the pedestrian medina of Fes el-Bali. It is famous worldwide for its generational coppersmiths and brassworkers who practice traditional metalworking techniques in open workshops. The air here constantly rings with the rhythmic clatter of hammers shaping gleaming tea pots, tagines, and ornate decorative trays.
Don't miss
- Watching master artisans skillfully hand-hammer sheets of copper and brass into intricate vessels.
- Admiring the storied exterior and ornate entrance of the historic Al-Qarawiyyin Library bordering the square.
- Observing the large shade tree at the square's center, which serves as a traditional gathering point for locals.
- Browsing gleaming piles of hand-polished cookware, kettles, and metal lanterns in open-front stalls.
Plan your visit
Visit during mid-morning on a weekday when the metalworkers are in full production and the artisan stalls are bustling. Avoid Friday afternoons and late evenings, as most workshops will be closed.
Visiting this public square is completely free and requires no tickets or advance reservations. Adjoining historical buildings, such as nearby madrasas, may charge their own small entry fees.
Located deep inside Fes el-Bali, the square is accessible only on foot by walking down Rue Tala'a Kebira or Rue Tala'a Seghira from Bab Bou Jeloud toward the Kairaouine Mosque. Alternatively, take a petit taxi to Place R'cif and complete the short five-minute walk through the medina.
Tips for visiting
- Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of the metalworkers, and offer a small tip as a courtesy.
- Prepare for loud noise levels, as the sound of striking metal echoes continuously off the stone walls.
- Bargain respectfully if you plan to buy handmade copper pieces or brass souvenirs from the craftsmen.
- Watch your step along the edges of the square, where artisans often store heavy metal plates and tools.
- Pair your stop with a visit to the adjacent Al-Qarawiyyin complex and nearby leather or textile souks.
Place Seffarine FAQ
Is Place Seffarine very noisy?
Yes, the square is filled with the continuous and loud clanging of hammers against metal sheets. While it can be intense for sensitive ears, this dynamic soundscape is an essential part of the traditional medina atmosphere. Most visitors find the rhythmic noise fascinating to observe for a short visit.
Can non-Muslims enter the neighboring Al-Qarawiyyin complex?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the main prayer hall of the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, though you can peek into the magnificent courtyard through the open entrance doors. The historic Al-Qarawiyyin Library, which faces Place Seffarine, sometimes permits visitors depending on current cultural exhibition schedules.
Can I buy cookware directly from the smiths?
Yes, you can purchase finished teapots, brass platters, buckets, and decorative items directly from the artisans who made them. Most craftsmen are happy to sell their work, and polite haggling over the price is standard practice.
Is the square easy to find inside the medina?
The narrow alleys of Fez can be confusing, but Place Seffarine is relatively easy to locate by following signs to the Kairaouine Mosque or using an offline GPS map. You can also listen for the distinctive metallic hammering echoing through the neighboring passageways to guide your steps.
More things to do in Fez
Chouara Tannery Landmark
Watch leather artisans dye hides using traditional methods from surrounding rooftop viewing terraces.
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate) Landmark
Admire the ornate tiled entrance that serves as the iconic gateway into the ancient medina.
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University Landmark
Glimpse into one of the oldest operating educational institutions in the world.
Bou Inania Madrasa Landmark
Marvel at stunning examples of Marinid architecture, intricate cedar woodwork, and detailed zellij tilework.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) Neighborhood
Stroll through historic alleys to see distinctive wooden balconies, the Jewish Cemetery, and Ibn Danan Synagogue.
Marinid Tombs Landmark
Hike or take a short taxi up the hill for sweeping panoramic views across the ancient medina at sunset.
Dar Batha Museum Museum
Explore Moroccan arts and craftsmanship housed inside a former royal palace with a serene Andalusian garden.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: shogun, JerOme82 on Pixabay.