The Petit Socco is the small square at the centre of the medina that became the social heart of the Tangier International Zone. The writers Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs and Tennessee Williams, the painter Henri Matisse and many diplomats and traders passed through the area, and Burroughs drew on the setting for part of his book Naked Lunch. Cafe Central on the square remains the focus. Today the square is quieter than in its heyday but still shows the mix of Moroccan, Spanish and European influences that marked the Zone. Visitors can sit on a terrace with mint tea and absorb the atmosphere before walking on to the Kasbah or the American Legation.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times; cafes about 7am-midnight |
| Address | Place Souk Dakhli (Petit Socco), Medina, Tangier 90000 |
Why it matters
The square embodies the cosmopolitan, bohemian Tangier of the International Zone years.
Location
Place Souk Dakhli (Petit Socco), Medina, Tangier 90000
35.7873, -5.8118 View on map
Highlights
- Social centre of the International Zone
- Cafe Central terrace
- Associated with Bowles, Burroughs and Williams
- Walk to the Kasbah and Legation
Tips for visiting
- Take mint tea on the terrace.
- Mid-afternoon is quiet.
- Keep valuables secure.
- Decline unofficial guides.
- Read some Bowles before visiting.
When to visit
Late afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Which writers are linked to the Petit Socco?
Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs and Tennessee Williams are among those associated with the area.
Is it safe in the evening?
The square is lively, but side lanes are poorly lit.