The Craft Heritage of Fez
Fez has been Morocco's center of artisanal craftsmanship for over a millennium. The zellige mosaic tilework that decorates palaces, mosques, and riads across the country originates here — hand-cut by artisans who learn the trade over years of apprenticeship. The pottery workshops near the Ain Nokbi district produce the distinctive blue-and-white ceramics that have become synonymous with Moroccan design.
This workshop gives you a window into both traditions. Rather than watching from behind a barrier, you sit alongside working artisans who guide your hands through the same techniques they use daily.
What You'll Create
The 2-hour session splits between pottery and mosaic work:
Pottery (First Hour)
You work on a traditional kick-wheel or hand-build a small piece — typically a bowl or tagine lid. The instructor demonstrates the core technique, then guides you through shaping, smoothing, and preparing your piece. No prior experience is needed; the clay is forgiving and the pace is relaxed.
The workshop uses the same local clay and glazes that Fez potters have worked with for centuries. The signature cobalt blue glaze, derived from natural minerals, is what gives Fassi pottery its unmistakable character.
Mosaic / Zellige (Second Hour)
You learn the basics of zellige — the Moroccan mosaic technique that involves chipping glazed tiles into geometric shapes and assembling them into patterns. You work on a small coaster or decorative tile, following a traditional geometric design.
The precision required gives you a genuine appreciation for the full-scale zellige work that covers entire walls and fountains in Morocco's great palaces. A single square meter of traditional zellige can contain over 800 hand-cut pieces.
Between the two activities, there is a tea break where the artisans talk about their craft, how they learned it, and how the workshop has evolved over the years.
Duration & Skill Level
The workshop lasts approximately 2 hours. It is designed for complete beginners — no artistic skill or prior experience is required. Children aged 8 and up can participate and generally enjoy it.
The workshop is located in the Ain Nokbi pottery district on the outskirts of the Fez medina. Most operators offer pickup from your riad or hotel, or you can take a petit taxi (about 15-20 MAD from the medina center).
Your finished pieces are fired in the kiln after the session. If you are staying in Fez for at least another day, you can collect them. Otherwise, the workshop can arrange international shipping (shipping cost not included in the price).
What to Know Before You Go
- ▸ Clothing: Wear something you do not mind getting clay on. An apron is provided, but splashes happen.
- ▸ Photos: You are welcome to photograph and film throughout the session. The artisans are used to it and often happy to pose with their work.
- ▸ Group size: Sessions are small (2-8 people), so you get genuine hands-on time rather than watching a demonstration.
- ▸ Souvenirs: The workshop has a showroom with finished pieces for sale. Prices are fair (fixed, not negotiated) and the quality is better than what you will find in the tourist souks.
