Zellige Workshop in Marrakech: Ceramic Tiles with a Master Craftsman
Zellige workshop in Marrakech’s Fekhara neighborhood: Spend 3 hours with a master artisan cutting your tiles and assembling your ceramic piece to take home.
About this activity
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 48h before for a full refund
Duration 3h
Check availability to see start times
Languages
French
Highlights
- Small-group zellige workshop in Marrakech (15 people max)
- Guidance from a master craftsman in the Fekhara neighborhood
- You'll leave with your assembled zellige tile
- Complimentary mint tea and Moroccan pastries
- A unique setting: the medina of Marrakech, the potters' quarter
Full description
Welcome to our zellige workshop in Marrakech, located in the heart of the Fekhara district. The sharp sound of the hammer striking the tile welcomes you as soon as you enter. The artisan shows you the fired clay, the glazes that catch the light, and the wooden board where he will teach you how to cut each piece. This isn’t just a demonstration. For 3 hours, your hands will be shaping the tiles. You’ll then assemble your own geometric pattern.
On the agenda: 3 hours at our Marrakech zellige workshop
The artisan adapts his pace to your skill level. No prior experience is required to participate. You follow the steps, make corrections, and progress at your own pace. The result is always surprising for a beginner.
- Welcome with mint tea and an introduction to zellige and its history (15 min)
- Demonstration of basic techniques: cutting, controlled breaking, templates (20 min)
- Selection of your colors and preparation of the shards (30 min)
- Cutting and adjusting your pieces under the guidance of the artisan (60 min)
- Assembling your design and Moroccan snack (50 min)
- Photos, signing, and presentation of your creation to take home
Zellige and the Fekhara District in Marrakech
Marrakech zellige is a centuries-old art passed down in the medina since the 14th century. The Fekhara district owes its name to the potters and zellige artisans who have settled there generation after generation. Our artisan inherited the craft in this very alley. He continues to use traditional templates, hammers, and grinding wheels. This workshop remains one of the few places in the city where you can try your hand at the craft yourself, without a tourist group demonstration.
Who is this Marrakech zellige workshop for?
The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as ceramics enthusiasts. No special physical fitness is required. Open to children ages 8 and up accompanied by an adult. The workshop is located in an alleyway in the medina. Plan to arrive on foot. To explore other artisanal experiences in the same vein, see the workshops and walking tours in Marrakech.
Tip from the team
Wear clothes that can get dirty. Dust from fired clay leaves permanent stains on light-colored fabrics. If you’re passionate about Moroccan ceramics, the pottery workshop in Marrakech offers a complementary session on the potter’s wheel in the medina.
What's included
- Materials and Tools: Everything you need to create your artwork.
- Guidance from a Master Craftsman: Expert assistance at every stage of the process.
- Local Snacks: Enjoy homemade cakes during the workshop.
- Workshop Souvenir: Take home your creation and photos of your experience.
Not included
- Transportation
- In-store shopping
- Tip for the craftsman
Important information
What to bring
- L'atelier a lieu dans le quartier Fekhara, au cœur de la médina de Marrakech. Prévoyez d'arriver à pied (ruelles non accessibles en voiture). Le transport n'est pas inclus : un taxi vous dépose à l'entrée du quartier, puis 5-10 minutes à pied. Venez en vêtements pouvant se salir, la poussière d'argile marque les tissus. Ouvert aux enfants dès 8 ans accompagnés d'un adulte. Le cours se déroule principalement en français. L'atelier n'est pas adapté aux fauteuils roulants (escaliers et ruelles étroites).
