A walled garden in the heart of the Marrakesh medina

A Restored historic garden of beauty

Le Jardin Secret in the heart of the Marrakech medina, is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tucked away from the busy streets and souks, it serves as a calm oasis that transports visitors from the energetic hustle of the city into a world of peace and tranquillity. Lush vegetation, the soothing sound of fountains, and the scent of flowers create an atmosphere of serenity, and the the ancient trees provide welcome shade from the Moroccan sun.

History of Le Jardin Secret

Le Jardin Secret has a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. The garden was initially a private space for the elite of Marrakech. It was part of a larger palace complex and featured both an Islamic-style garden and more exotic plant varieties, reflecting the grandeur and sophisticated tastes of its time.

However, over the centuries, the garden fell into disrepair. The once-beautiful garden became neglected, with its structures crumbling and its lush plants withering.

In 2008, a restoration project began to breathe new life into the garden. The work focused on bringing back the traditional Islamic design, as well as reintroducing a wide variety of plants to the garden. After years of meticulous work, the Marrakesh secret garden was officially reopened to the public in 2016. Today, it stands as a beautiful blend of historical charm and modern restoration, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Marrakech’s rich cultural heritage.

The secret garden pavilion surrounded by lush gardens — Le Secret Garden, Marrakesh

The Garden

The secret garden is split into two main sections: the Islamic garden, featuring geometric patterns, fountains, and plants, and the exotic garden, showcasing a more eclectic mix of plants including herbs and fruit trees.

Cacti are a striking feature, adding a unique desert aesthetic to the garden. Their sculptural shapes and vibrant blooms stand out against the lush greenery, reflecting the diverse landscapes of Morocco.

Scented herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint are strategically planted throughout the garden. Their fragrant aromas fill the air, adding to the calming atmosphere and offering a sensory experience that invites visitors to pause and appreciate the surroundings. I loved brushing my hands through them and breathing in their gorgeous aroma.

Orange and lemon trees also thrive in the garden, their bright fruits and fragrant blossoms adding a refreshing touch to the space.

Seated areas

There are plenty of benches and seats in the garden, many tucked away in their own little leafy green space. These give a lovely spot to sit, breathe in the aromatic scents and take in nature’s abundance.

Tip: go early before the crowds to maximise on this!

Ornate seating space in the garden — Spaces for contemplation

Ornate Pavilions

The garden features several pavilions. These are beautifully adorned with intricate tilework and ornate arches.

intricate tile design on the pavilion ceiling — Ornate tiled pavilion in the centre of the garden

Water Features

Water and fountains play a central and essential role in the design and ambiance of the secret garden. In traditional Islamic gardens, water is not only a key element for irrigation and aesthetics but also symbolizes purity, life, and spiritual renewal. In Le Jardin Secret, water brings a sense of serenity and harmony, with fountains and channels scattered throughout the garden. It provides a stark contrast to the dry dusty streets of the medina.

The garden features several fountains. These fountains are placed strategically to enhance the visual flow of the space, with water gently cascading over intricate stonework or trickling through channels that wind through the garden., meaning that you are never far from the cooling sound of water. You can see this from the photos below.

The use of water also has an essential functional aspect, of irrigating the plants. The traditional irrigation system was fully restored during the garden’s renovation.

Architecture of Le Jardin Secret

There are two beautiful riads within the garden with stunning architecture, blending both traditional Moroccan and Islamic design elements, including geometric patterns, stucco carvings, and calligraphy incorporated into the walls and ceilings.

Deep red building — Riad and private hammam in the Islamic garden with water irrigation

The Tower

One of the key features of the garden is the tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Medina and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. I didn’t go up this.

Cafes

There are two cafes, one is on a roof terrace, so you can enjoy a refreshing mint tea whilst looking over the beautiful gardens.

Opening Times

The gardens are open from 9.30 – 6.00 off season and until 7.30 peak season.

I’d really recommend going as early as you can because this garden is no longer a secret! I arrived at 9.30 and there were very few visitors and I felt like I almost had the garden to myself, which was just divine. However, it soon began to fill up and as I was leaving there was a queue at the entrance.

Cost

100 dirhams per adult for the garden, this is about £7.50. The tower is an extra 30 dirhams.

It’s not a big garden

I think it’s important to note that this isn’t a huge garden, and whilst you can easily spend a couple of hours there if you like plants and relaxing, you can see the whole thing in about 30 minutes.

If you want to wander around a large open green space, I’d opt for the Menara Garden which is free and just outside of the city.