Grand Socco, officially Place du 9 Avril 1947, is the square where Tangier's old medina meets the newer city. It takes its name from a 1947 speech by Mohammed V calling for Morocco's independence. Palm trees, a central fountain and benches fill the open space, and cafés line its edges. The keyhole gate into the medina, Bab el Fahs, stands at its lower end, and the restored Cinema Rif sits in the square. Come for the market stalls, mint tea and people-watching, then walk into the medina.
From market to meeting point
Socco is the Spanish form of souk, the Arabic word for market, and the name still reflects the square's past. For a long time it was Tangier's main marketplace, where storytellers, musicians and snake charmers once performed.
The square was later renovated with palms, small lawns and a large central fountain. Today it links the medina with the Ville Nouvelle, the newer district, and it also works as a transport hub. Its official name, Place du 9 Avril 1947, marks the day Mohammed V gave a speech here calling for independence.
What to see around the square
The central fountain is marble and the benches make it easy to sit for a while. The Cinema Rif is a 1930s Art Deco cinema that has been restored. It now operates as an independent arthouse film centre and espresso bar, and it shows French and Arabic films.
The Sidi Bou Abib Mosque, built in the early 20th century, has a striking minaret that rises above the roundabout. Close by, the Mendoubia Gardens sit beside the former residence of the Mendoub, the Sultan's representative, and contain old trees. The Bab el Fahs gate marks the way into the medina.
The market and daily life
The stalls sell fresh produce, dates, and spices such as cumin, cinnamon, black and white pepper, and ras el hanout. Leather goods include babouches, the traditional slippers, along with bags and wallets. Other stalls sell carpets, fabrics, clothing, cookware, metalware, lamps, jewellery and small trinkets.
In the evening, vendors spread second-hand goods on the ground. On Sunday mornings, people from outside the city bring fruit, vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs to sell on the pavement beside St Andrew's Anglican Church, at the far end of Rue d'Angleterre. Rif women in traditional dress sell vegetables, fruit and fresh mint around the square.
The narrower alley entrances toward the souks have uneven cobblestones, and the smells of fish and spices can be strong. Litter tends to build up later in the day. The square's open areas are kept in better order.
Getting around
Grand taxis gather around the square, and it is a short walk from Marshan, a little under 10 minutes to the southeast. The traffic circle is busy, so cross carefully. The Petit Socco, a smaller square inside the medina, is lined with cafés and is a good next stop.
The square has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Inside the market, however, the cobblestones and crowded alleys make it hard going with a stroller or wheelchair.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Grand Socco?
Grand Socco is at Place du 9 Avril 1947, Tangier, where the medina meets the Ville Nouvelle. Its lower end is the medina gate Bab el Fahs.
Is Grand Socco open all day?
The square is open 24 hours. Evenings are when vendors spread out their goods and locals gather around the square.
Is Grand Socco wheelchair accessible?
The square has a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. The market alleys have uneven cobblestones and are crowded, so they are hard to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair.
How do you get to Grand Socco?
Grand taxis gather at the square, and it is a little under a 10-minute walk southeast of Marshan. The square is also a transport hub for the city.
