As in the other Moslem cities, Córdoba constituted a large marketplace. Traders and craftsmen opened their shops on the street in a narrow, busy corridor which spread throughput almost the whole city, offering its customers products they made themselves or brought from all around the world. In ancient times the souk contained wool, perfumeries, shops etc. It suffered several fires along its history, until the 10th century, when the alcaicería was created. The alcaicería is a royal market overseen by the Caliph guard where the lavishest, imported products were sold like silks, perfumes, spices etc. This building served simultaneously as a warehouse and as a guest house for travellers. The current municipal souk, a two-storey Mudejar style building with a large courtyard where the Cordoban craftsmen reveal their know-how with leather work, silverware or ceramics, as well as being a space where travelers can rest and enjoy the beauty of Cordoba.