HOW ZELLIGE TILE IS MADE

At Zellaro Tile, our handcrafted ZELLIGE tiles embody centuries of Moroccan artistry and tradition. Each tile is shaped, glazed, and fired by hand, following a process passed down from master artisans known as maâlems. Every tile tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and natural beauty — no two are ever the same.

ZELLIGE is incredibly versatile — perfect for walls, backsplashes, bathrooms, showers, and accent spaces. Its signature glazed surface reflects light beautifully, adding warmth and movement to any interior. Whether used for a statement wall or an entire room, ZELLIGE transforms spaces into timeless works of art.

HISTORY

Originating in FEZ, MOROCCO, Zellige has been an essential part of Mediterranean architecture since the 10th century. It adorned the most beautiful palaces, riads, and mosques, symbolizing patience, artistry, and divine geometry.

At Zellaro, we honor this legacy by working directly with artisans in Morocco, preserving the traditional process while ensuring every piece meets modern design standards. The result is a tile that captures the soul of Moroccan craftsmanship — rich in history, full of character, and made to last for generations.

THE PROCESS

Every Zellaro ZELLIGE tile begins with the finest clay from the FEZ region of Morocco, known for its exceptional purity and elasticity.

CLAY PREPARATION
The raw clay is soaked in water until it reaches a soft, workable consistency, then hand-filtered to remove stones and natural impurities.
HAND SHAPING & DRYING
The clay is flattened and shaped into squares by hand, ensuring each piece is dense and free of air bubbles. These raw tiles are then sun-dried on rooftops under the Moroccan sun.
GLAZING & FIRING
Once dried, the tiles are hand-glazed one by one using mineral-based glazes, then fired in traditional olive-pit kilns. The uneven heat circulation creates subtle variations in tone and texture — the signature of authentic ZELLIGE.
CUTTING & FINISHING
After firing, each tile is cut by hand using a MENKACH, a centuries-old hammer-like tool, giving ZELLIGE its distinctive edges and organic shapes.

The result is a collection of beautifully imperfect tiles, each with unique variations, chips, and tonal shifts — a reflection of true Moroccan artistry.

PERFECT IMPERFECTION

Every Zellaro ZELLIGE tile is one of a kind, showcasing the artisan’s touch, the sun, the fire, and the earth. These subtle variations are not flaws — they are what make ZELLIGE alive, soulful, and timeless.

AUTHENTIC. HANDMADE. MOROCCAN.

ZELLIGE by Zellaro Tile brings the warmth and spirit of Mediterranean design to your home — handcrafted tiles that celebrate imperfection, authenticity, and natural beauty.