Place Seffarine, Fez

Nestled in the heart of Fez, Morocco, Place Seffarine is a historical square that offers a glimpse into the city's illustrious past and vibrant present. This ancient plaza is renowned for its bustling atmosphere and the traditional craftsmanship that has thrived here for centuries.

Place Seffarine, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Medina of Fez, is particularly famous for its copperware. The square is surrounded by workshops where skilled artisans hammer and shape copper into a variety of wares right before your eyes. The rhythmic sounds of metalwork create a unique soundscape that has echoed through the alleyways for generations, giving visitors an auditory souvenir of their time spent in Fez.

The square's name, Seffarine, comes from the Arabic word for brass- and coppersmiths, acknowledging the area's historic and ongoing connection to metalworking. The workshops that line the square are not just places of commerce but also living museums, showcasing the traditional techniques that have been passed down from master to apprentice over the ages.

In addition to the metalworkers, Place Seffarine is also a stone's throw away from the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. This proximity to a site of such historical significance adds to the cultural richness of the square.

Visitors to Place Seffarine can enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere, where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly worked metal and the sounds of craftsmen at work. It's a place where one can find a wide range of handcrafted copper goods, from intricately decorated teapots to beautifully carved plates and lanterns.

Place Seffarine is not just a destination for those interested in traditional crafts; it is also a hub of daily life for the locals. The square is a meeting point, a place to socialize, and a window into the soul of Fez. It remains a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its craft heritage, even as the modern world evolves around it.