The vaulted workshops carved into the wall under the Skala de la Ville are where most of Essaouira's thuya wood — a fragrant conifer with deeply patterned burl that grows only in this part of Morocco — is turned into boxes, chess sets, trays, and inlaid furniture. Watching the carvers and lacquer-finishers at work is half the point. Prices are reasonable and rise sharply if you don't haggle. The smell of cut thuya is wonderful and stays in your luggage for weeks.
Thuya Wood Workshops
Fragrant wood workshops carved into the sea wall