Place Nejjarine and Carpenters' Souk

Place Nejjarine is a small square in Fès el-Bali, the old medina of Fès in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, centred on the ornate Nejjarine fountain and surrounded by the carpenters' souk. The name refers to the carpenters (nejjarin) who have worked here for centuries, and the square is one of the most atmospheric in the medina. The woodworkers' shops specialise in cedar and other carved woodwork, including boxes, furniture, decorative panels and notably wedding thrones used in traditional Moroccan ceremonies. Antiques shops cluster around Derb Sidi Moussa near the Nejjarine Fondouk, the restored caravanserai that houses a museum of wooden arts and crafts, which makes the area a useful stop for understanding the local tradition before buying. Compared with generic shopping, the stock is dominated by one craft, and much of it is made or finished in nearby workshops. Quality varies from carefully carved solid cedar to thin, mass-produced items; the scent of real cedar, the weight of the piece and the depth of carving are practical checks. Antiques are particularly difficult to authenticate, and buyers are generally advised to treat claims of age with caution and to ask for the provenance. Bargaining is expected, and large items such as chests and thrones allow considerable room to negotiate. Payment is normally in Moroccan dirhams cash, though some larger shops accept cards, and no tax refund is available at small shops. Shipping of bulky items can be arranged by some dealers and should be agreed in writing beforehand. The square is moderately busy, calmer than the main souk thoroughfares, with the fountain and the surrounding cafés giving it a relaxed character. Cafés with terraces around the square allow a break, and snack vendors are nearby. Must-visit corners include the fountain, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, and the antiques lanes of Derb Sidi Moussa.