5 Tips to Visiting the Tanneries in Marrakech
Known for its leather goods, Marrakech is home to a few tanneries where local families have been employed for generations. In fact, the tanneries have existed since the medina was founded over a thousand years ago. For visitors, the experience is often a sensory overload — smell, colors, and sight — as they watch the men at work using pre-Industrial age techniques. In our latest blog post, we share our tips for visiting the historic tanneries of Marrakech.
Location is key!
The main leather tanneries in Marrakech are located in the Bab Debbagh quarter in the north end of the medina; the location provides access to the Oued Issil river across the busy road (dry in the summer months and flowing quickly in winter months) and is also removed from the city, so it doesn’t bother nearby residents with the smell.
Getting there
The north end of the medina is a bit difficult to navigate as this area is largely residential, with a few riads popping up. Grab a taxi to either the Place Moukef or Bab Debbagh, where you will see signs pointing to Bab Debbagh tanneries.
For lost wanderers, there is no shortage of ‘faux guides’ who will happily lead you to the tanneries — along with an extra stop to their relatives’ shops for views and to enhance your buying experience. Be aware that guides in Morocco are heavily regulated and are identifiable by their official badge; so if you stumble upon a local ‘guide’, he is putting himself at risk. Nevertheless, he will expect a payment for his services. Twenty dirhams is sufficient for a short visit.
Witnessing the process first-hand
If you want to witness the production process, best to go early in the morning and climb up to the terrace of one of the local shops with a view over the tanneries. It’s at this time that the tradesmen are hard at work separating the skins, soaking them in various vats filled with quicklime and water to begin the treatment process, before placing them in vats to strengthen the leather. Once colored (sadly, artificial coloring has replaced natural dyes including henna and saffron) the skins are placed in a drying vat. Wanderers will often see skins drying on the ground near the Medersa Ben Youssef, not far from where the tanneries are located.
Prepare your senses
Given the products used in the treatment process, including pigeon dung, the scent can be overwhelming. Many shopkeepers will provide a sprig of mint to help offset the smell as you watch the men at work below in the tanneries (and hopefully spend some time shopping as well).
Shopping
If the sights and smells haven’t scared you away, the shops here are filled with leather goods prepared in the tanneries; but be ready to haggle. Most of the hides used are goat or sheep, but on occasion you will see cow and even camel. Finally, make sure to smell the bag, shoes, handbag or leather pouf you may be interested in to ensure it doesn’t have a strong smell, which may spoil any hopes of using your purchase.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.