The Alcaiceira, just south of the Capilla Real, was the old Arab market of silk.

Traditionally located in the center of the city, this bazaar had within it several inns where only the merchants could stay. In facht the night market was closed with gates and guards were responsible for monitoring the area to prevent theft.

However, after the great fire of 1843, the original bazaar was literally razed to the ground and Alcaiceira now is only one in this area dating back to the nineteenth century, restored and converted into a string of souvenir shops and trinkets for tourists, which, although distinctive in their generally remain very distant from the original charm and atmosphere of the market.