The Gardens of Marrakech: A Paradise Culture
Gardens are a cultural cornerstone of Marrakech, accenting the intensity of its medina and souks. Olive trees are planted to bear fruits and oil; orange trees grow for their sweet aroma; and water features throughout, irrigating the land and cleansing the mind with its sound. These enduring principles bind the city’s gardens to the horticultural philosophies of the Moorish, that they are places of human refuge designed to inspire rest, reflection, and connection to the senses. In the Morrocan capital, gardens surpass mere coexistence with nature. They are where the divine meets earth.
The Agdal Gardens are the city’s oldest and were once a reflection of its imperial grandeur. Established over 850 years ago, the gardens have followed the rise and fall of ruling dynasties throughout Moroccan history, experiencing periods of neglect before undergoing later renewal. The site’s current form dates to its restoration during the 19th century, though it is a meager reflection of the garden’s previous splendor. Acres of olive groves and fruit trees still line paved avenues that lead to a trio of central reservoirs, though these liken the site to more of an expansive orchard than a verdant oasis. Still, the gardens were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 for their cultural significance and remain a citywide landmark.
Closer to the image of a botanical paradise, Jardin Majorelle is one of Marrakech's most prominent gardens. The space, first conceptualized in the early 20th century by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, was conceived as a sanctuary and botanical laboratory. Within, he spent decades curating plants native to Morrocco alongside exotic specimens from all corners of the world. This verdant collection became the surroundings for Majorelle’s central studio-house, a Cubist villa painted in the artist’s namesake electric blue. Yves Saint Laurant purchased the property in 1980 with his partner Pierre Bergé – both shared a vision for the space and wanted to save it from disrepair following Majorelle’s death. The pair restored the garden and its buildings to their former glory. Now a multi-use complex housing the Musée Berbère and a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle welcomes millions of visitors each year – perhaps not the sanctuary it was intended to be, but poignant nonetheless.
Like the Agdal Gardens, Marrakech’s Menara Gardens were established during the Almohad Caliphate and boast UNESCO recognition. Following the same horticultural principles, the Menara Gardens are known for their vast olive groves, longstanding pavilion, and central reflecting pool.
Le Jardin Secret sustains Marrakech’s cultural philosophy of urban oases. An echo of the city’s riads – traditional Morrocan architecture defined by internal gardens or courtyards – one-half of the green space is intended to inspire indulgence in idleness and peace. Here, Islamic horticultural principles assert themselves over the disorder of nature: geometric rules influence the layout while flowing water cleanses the land and mind. The other garden features exotic plants from all over the world. The compound’s rooftop terrace also provides an impressive view of the surrounding medina.
On Marrakech's outskirts, Anima, a creation by André Heller, artfully reinterprets Moorish garden traditions, fusing timeless Islamic design with modern creativity. The garden's landscaped paths and terraces exude the Moorish love for geometric symmetry. Water also takes center stage, with tranquil ponds and fountains reflecting the form’s significance with purity and life. The space boasts a diverse botanical landscape, showcasing exotic cacti, aromatic herbs, and fragrant roses. But its uniqueness lies in the symbiosis of contemporary art installations; sculptures coexist with nature.
The gardens of Marrakech reflect the enduring relationship between the city’s people and nature. With the scents of orange blossoms and jasmine, these green spaces provide respite from the daily animations beyond. Many have followed the country’s changing leadership throughout its history, with some sadly falling into neglect. Yet the horticultural teachings of the Moors remain a cultural cornerstone – gardens are a bridge between the earth and that which is above. Today, these teachings provide the people of Marrakesh with space to find calm and reflect.
