Imagine walking through a bustling marketplace, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the sound of lively bargaining. That is what I was expecting from the Moroccan Souk in Granada. I expected it to rival the Monastiraki market area in the historic center of Athens, just with a Moroccan flair. But instead, it was rather calm and solemn when I visited several times in December. Which wasn’t a bad thing!
Cultural immersion and bargaining as part of the shopping experience
I had a little difficulty locating the Moroccan Souk, also known as the Alcaiceria, in Granada. It is located right in the heart of Granada, near the Cathedral. It used to be the grand bazaar during the Moorish period, when Granada was part of the Islamic kingdom. The Alcaiceria is clearly marked at its entrance once you find it, and once inside it consists of narrow winding streets and alleyways filled with shops selling all sorts of things. More mainstream shopping is found around the Alcaiceria, which is why I think its location wasn’t obvious. Inside the Alcaiceria, tourists will find souvenirs, including Moroccan and Andalusian inspired items.
The array of colors, sounds, and smells is no-doubt a sensory feast, providing a glimpse into the heart of Moroccan culture. It was fun to take a journey through time and imagine I was visiting here during the Moorish era.
Visitors can interact with local artisans and learn about their crafts and traditions. You can even bargain. Oftentimes prices are set a bit higher with the expectation the customer will negotiate the best price. So it never hurts to ask.
The Moroccan influence in Granada
The city of Granada was under Moorish rule from the 8th through 15th centuries. This means the Moors influenced much of the city, including its architecture, cuisine, and culture. And it is this Moorish influence that continues to delight visitors today. This also means that Granada’s Moroccan Souk is not just about shopping; it’s a good example of the integration of Moroccan and Andalusian cultures. This cultural immersion was seen in the items being sold in the Alcaiceria. Many of the items such as ceramics, leather goods, and woven textiles had Moorish designs and styles.
History of the Alcaiceria in Granada
The Alcaiceria has a colorful history too. It used to be a thriving silk market in the 13th-15th centuries! The Nasrid rulers owned the market and profited from the taxes levied on luxury goods, like silk. It was strategically positioned near Granada’s Great Mosque and was huge. The market continued to operate under the Spanish, when they took the city in 1492. One record suggests 152 shops were here in 1787. Unfortunately, the original Alcaiceria was destroyed by fire in 1843. The reconstruction we saw maintains its Moorish style and historic charm, but it is much smaller. It still attracts tourists and locals, but I imagine it is no longer the same cultural hub it was when it served as a rare opportunity to bridge cultures and civilizations.
The magic of Moroccan lanterns
Moroccan lanterns were a highlight of the souk. Their intricate designs and styles showcased the skill and art of Morocco. Everything about them made me want to buy one to bring home. I could see these lanterns transforming my space. The only reason I am not sitting under the biggest chandelier of Moroccan lanterns right now is because of the differences between electrical wiring in the U.S. and Europe. I was sure there was a way to rewire it, but I wasn’t in Granada long enough to do enough research and confidently make a purchase.
I have since looked into this and it looks like it should be possible to replace the electrical wiring and socket with ones compatible in the U.S. I also found that it might be possible to just change the plug (or use an adaptor) and get lightbulbs suited for American voltage, which is lower than Europe. But I also read safety warnings about taking this shortcut, and my research leads me to believe it is safest to hire a professional electrician to rewire the whole fixture. So, if I have the opportunity to buy Moroccan lanterns on a future trip, I will check with a local electrician before I go to inquire about the cost to rewire it. This information might help me negotiate a better price in the Souk. I did try to find similar lamps for sale in the U.S. but have not found anything comparable.
When the lanterns light up at night the atmosphere of the Souk becomes even more magical!
What to add to your shopping list
Fortunately, there are plenty of other things you can buy at the Alcaiceria that don’t require rewiring. Many of these items also fit much better in luggage! Since we visited in the winter, the scarves were something we were interested in and eventually purchased. It is also a great place to do your souvenir shopping. The shops had all the traditional souvenirs from the area. We found an Arab-style inlaid wooden mirror we had seen at the Alhambra Museum store, for a better price here (before even beginning to negotiate).
Navigating the Alcaiceria
Navigating the souk can be overwhelming. Just like any crowded marketplace in Europe, be aware of the possibility of pick pocketers. While it wasn’t at all crowded when we were there, I imagine it can get very crowded quickly as the streets are so narrow. The market is open most days from 10:00am to 8:30 or 9pm, except for Sundays during the slow season (Jan. 6th through mid-March). You can locate the market next to Plaza Bib Rambla near the Cathedral. Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere, look around, and don’t be afraid to bargain with vendors to get the best price.
FAQs
1.What are the must-buy items in the Moroccan Souk in Granada?
2.How do I get to the Moroccan Souk in Granada?
You can locate the market next to Plaza Bib Rambla near the Cathedral. It is located in the heart of the historic center of Granada and is surrounded by restaurants and stores. Google maps can also help you find it!
3.What are the best times to visit the souk?
To beat the crowds, consider visiting in the mornings when it first opens or toward the evening. This will allow you to miss rubbing elbows with many of Granada’s day visitors. Additionally, the weekends are likely busier than the weekday, and the winter is a great time to have the Souk almost to yourself. However, chances are you will visit when everyone else is there too. Fortunately, it is always a good time to visit and being there when it is busy is really a part of the market experience.
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