The Pavilion
Water. Our gardens need water so our plants and flowers can bloom and grow. In an arid land, water is a blessing.
During the second half of the 11th century, the Marrakchi found a way to collect and store water from the Atlas Mountains in a ground drainage tunnel called khettara, which then distributed water to the mosques, hammams, fountains and the homes of the rich and powerful. The Saadian rulers in Marrakech were recipients of this precious commodity at their palace inside the Medina. This water source still flows to this day and irrigates the Secret Garden which is on the grounds of the former Saadian palace that fell into disprepair in the 17th century. Ownership of the property changed hands several times over centuries. It was only in 2016 that the garden was opened to the public after years of extensive restoration and research.
Learning about the architecture of Le Jardin Secret gives away the reason for its name. The garden is surrounded by two distinct riads and thick, high walls with no windows. You can’t see it from the street. It’s like a courtyard in an elegant home where you can sit and enjoy the exotic trees and plants from the terrace decorated with white, sheer drapery. What a privilege it must have been to sit there in quiet contemplation. But now the secret is out and more people are discovering this once upon a time “oasis”.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit. There is a pavilion to explore, doors to open, tiles to thread upon and ceilings to look up to. There’s a rooftop café/restaurant with views of the garden. There’s a tower to climb to see the snow capped peaks of the Atlas mountains. And if that’s not enough, there are also temporary art exhibitions.
The Islamic Garden
Exotic Garden
Porticoes with sheer drapery
Water line
The Pavilion with its colorful canopy
The ceiling of one of the riads in the garden
Elalaoui Art Exhibition in March 2026
Link to article about Elalaoui’s art exhibition: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2026/07/the-faces-of-marrakech-through-palette.html
Water. the source of life. Garden, the image of Paradise on earth. Secret, only if you can keep it.
Where to go:
121 Rue Mouassine
There’s an entrance fee to the garden. Tower entry fee is separate.
How to get there:
My private tour was arranged by Elena including my transportation inside the souk. This was a huge relief because I have knee problems. Elena has worked in the hotel industry for many years and can also help you find a good riad. Contact her on WhatsApp at 212 695 462055. I have to say that I had a great time in Marrakech and Essaouira as a solo traveler, thanks in large part to Elena’s help.
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Images by TravelswithCharie