10 little-known palaces and gardens in the imperial city of Marrakech

Activities

Landscape,View,Of,The,Splendid,Architecture,Of,El,Badi,Palace

Emilie

Published on 10/09/2025

Marrakech, the red pearl of Morocco, is home to a wealth of architectural and botanical treasures that are often little-known to the general public. As well as the must-see Majorelle and Menara gardens, the imperial city is home to sumptuous palaces and secret gardens that bear witness to its rich historical and cultural heritage. These havens of peace, nestling in the heart of the medina or in the modern districts, offer a unique experience for discovering the Moroccan art of living away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. From Saadian architecture to contemporary creations, these exceptional places reveal the diversity and beauty of Morocco’s heritage.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

1. The Secret Garden, a mysterious oasis in the heart of the medina

Located at 121 rue Mouassine, Le Jardin Secret (121 Rue Mouassine, Marrakech 40030, Morocco, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 9,374 reviews) is one of the finest examples of a traditional Islamic garden in Marrakech. Rebuilt in the mid-nineteenth century by an influential Atlas caïd, this palatial complex of Saadian origins reveals its wonders after centuries of neglect. Visitors discover two distinct gardens: the Islamic garden, designed according to sacred geometry with its four flowerbeds separated by water paths, and the exotic garden, home to species from all over the world. The refined architecture of the pavilions, adorned with colourful zelliges and sculpted woodwork, bears witness to Moroccan craftsmanship. An ingenious irrigation system, fed by water from the Atlas Mountains, perpetuates the age-old traditions of Moroccan garden design.

Read also the Marrakech guide :

2. El Badi Palace, a vestige of Saadian grandeur

Marrakech,El,Badi,Palace,In,,,Morocco palais,El,Badi,A?

Nicknamed “the wonder of the world” in its heyday, the Palais El Badi (Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech 40000, Morocco, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 9,587 reviews) remains one of the most impressive examples of Saadian art in Morocco. Built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur at the end of the 16th century, this colossal palace was over 150 metres long. Now in majestic ruins, it retains its sunken gardens adorned with orange groves and marble pools reflecting the sky. Visitors can explore the underground rooms where servants once worked, discover the pulkeria with its collections of objets d’art, and admire the storks’ nests protected by ancestral law. A climb up to the terrace offers a panoramic view of the roofs of the medina and the Atlas mountains.

3. The Agdal gardens, a thousand-year-old heritage site to the south of the city

Covering almost 500 hectares to the south of Marrakech, the Agdal gardens are the largest green space in the red city. Created in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, these royal gardens bear witness to the traditional Moroccan art of landscaping, listed as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The shady paths wind their way through immense olive groves, orange orchards and water reservoirs, fed by an age-old irrigation system. The central pavilion, surrounded by a large pool, was the summer residence of the sultans. Let the Navaway itinerary be your guide as you visit Marrakech and discover these unspoilt gardens, where an atmosphere of absolute serenity reigns, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. The Bahia Palace, a jewel of Moroccan architecture

Built at the end of the 19th century by the Grand Vizier Si Moussa, the Bahia Palace represents the apogee of Moroccan decorative art. This architectural masterpiece, whose name means “the brilliant”, was destined to become the most beautiful palace of its time. Its 160 rooms and numerous interior patios reveal a sumptuous décor combining multicoloured zelliges, chiselled plasterwork and cedar woodwork. The interior gardens, planted with orange, banana and jasmine trees, create a succession of peaceful courtyards filled with birdsong. Each room tells a different story, from the concubines’ flat to the ceremonial salons, offering a fascinating journey into the intimacy of the Moroccan royal court.

Download the audio tour to discover Marrakech on foot and on your own

Explore Marrakech’s little-known palaces and gardens with our exclusive audio tour. This 21-point route takes you from secret gardens to hidden palaces, revealing the history and anecdotes of each place. Download the app and let yourself be carried away by an immersive experience that will transform your discovery of the red city into a real journey through time.

5. The Anima Garden, contemporary artistic creation

Anima,,Andre,Heller's,Imaginative,Botanical,Garden,In,Marrakech,,Morocco.,High

Just 28 kilometres from Marrakech, on the Ourika road, Jardin Anima stands out as one of Morocco’s most original botanical creations. Designed by the Austrian artist André Heller, this 8-hectare garden harmoniously blends contemporary art and lush vegetation in an exceptional mountain setting. Monumental sculptures by Paul Bowles, Farid Belkahia and other international artists punctuate a botanical trail that is home to over 1,200 plant species from four continents. The themed gardens – herb garden, Zen garden, century-old olive grove – offer contrasting atmospheres while preserving the harmony of the whole. From the upper terraces, the view takes in the Ourika valley and the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, creating a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle.

6. The Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park, reconciling modernity and tradition

Located in the Hivernage district, the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park is a perfect illustration of Marrakech’s ability to combine tradition and modernity. This 8-hectare park, laid out in a former 18th-century royal garden, offers an innovative approach to urban green spaces. Themed gardens – rose garden, orange garden, palm grove – sit alongside technological areas equipped with free Wi-Fi and interactive terminals. The green amphitheatre regularly hosts shows and concerts, while the modern play areas appeal to families. This successful fusion of historical heritage and contemporary facilities makes the Cyber Parc a model of sustainable urban development, appreciated by Marrakchis and visitors alike looking for a refreshing break.

7. The Ben Youssef Medersa and its gardens, a temple of knowledge and beauty

Founded in the 14th century, the Medersa Ben Youssef is one of the jewels of Marrakech’s Islamic architecture. This former Koranic school, which welcomed up to 900 students from all over the Muslim world, is distinguished by its strikingly beautiful interior gardens. The central patio, adorned with a marble basin and surrounded by arcaded galleries, creates a haven of peace conducive to meditation and study. The medersa’s gardens, though modest in size, bear witness to the subtle art of Islamic landscaping: water features, geometric planting, alternating light and shade. The chiselled stuccowork, the shimmering zelliges and the sculpted cedar ceilings create an exceptional setting for these green spaces that invite spiritual contemplation.

8. The Dar Si Said Palace and Museum, a showcase for Moroccan craftsmanship

Marrakech,,Morocco, ,16,February,,2019:,Interior,Of,Dar,Si

Formerly the palace of the brother of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa, Dar Si Said now houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in a remarkable 19th-century architectural setting. Located in the Kasbah district, the palace’s verdant patios, where palm trees, orange trees and rose bushes create a welcome atmosphere of freshness, are a delight. The interior gardens, designed according to the canons of Andalusian-Moorish landscape art, are arranged around central pools that reflect the elaborate arcades. Each courtyard reveals a specific collection: ancient weapons, Berber jewellery, Rif pottery, carpets from the High Atlas. This exceptional setting transforms the visit into a sensory journey where the Moroccan art of living is revealed in all its splendour, making Dar Si Said a must for understanding the creative soul of the Cherifian kingdom.

9. The Menara gardens, a poetic reflection of the Atlas mountains

Created in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, the Menara gardens are one of the oldest and most symbolic green spaces in Marrakech. This vast 100-hectare park, dominated by its famous Saadian pavilion, offers a spectacle of timeless beauty, with its centuries-old olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. The central pool, fed by the waters of the Atlas via a thousand-year-old system of seguias, reflects the snow-capped peaks and creates a fascinating play of light as the seasons change. The Menara pavilion, restored under the Saadian dynasty, was used as a retreat by the sultans, who came here to enjoy the freshness and tranquillity. The Navaway itinerary allows you to discover these mythical gardens in their historical context, revealing how they embody the Moroccan art of living and the harmonious relationship between man and nature.

10. The Jardin des Arts and the Maison de la Photographie, culture and nature in symbiosis

Marrakech,,Morocco, ,February,22,,2016:,The,Photography,Museum,Of

Nestling in the lively Gueliz district, the Jardin des Arts is a unique concept in Marrakech, where contemporary creativity and green spaces come together in harmony. This atypical venue, created by local artists, regularly hosts exhibitions, performances and creative workshops in a carefully landscaped setting. Not far away, the Maison de la Photographie (46 Rue Souk Ahal Mellah, Marrakech 40000, Morocco, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 1,247 reviews) unveils its intimate rooftop gardens, offering a unique perspective on the medina. These suspended green spaces create a special atmosphere where the scent of jasmine, the sounds of the city and artistic discoveries mingle. The terrace-garden of the Maison de la Photographie offers one of the finest views over the rooftops of the medina, particularly magical at sunset when the golden light caresses the minarets and surrounding terraces.

In conclusion, these ten little-known palaces and gardens reveal the exceptional wealth of Marrakech’s heritage beyond its most famous sites. From the architectural refinement of the Saadian palaces to the contemporary creations of the Jardin Anima, each place tells a different facet of Moroccan history and culture. These havens of peace, often untouched by mass tourism, offer an authentic experience of the Red City and its age-old traditions. For the best possible discovery of these hidden treasures, follow the Navaway audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of these exceptional places and allow you to visit Marrakech like a true connoisseur.

FAQ – Little-known palaces and gardens in Marrakech

What are the opening times for Marrakech’s secret gardens?

Most of Marrakech’s little-known palaces and gardens are open from 9am to 5pm in winter and from 9.30am to 7.30pm in summer. The Secret Garden is open every day from 9.30am to 6pm (November to January) and from 9.30am to 7.30pm the rest of the year. It is advisable to check the opening times before your visit as they may vary according to the season.

How much does it cost to visit these little-known palaces and gardens?

Prices vary according to the site: The Secret Garden costs around MAD 100 (€11), the Palais El Badi MAD 100, the Palais de la Bahia MAD 70. The Agdal and Menara gardens are generally free. For substantial savings, consider the Navaway audio tour, which gives you access to many sites with exclusive information.

When is the best time to visit the gardens?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer ideal conditions, with pleasant temperatures and lush vegetation. Avoid the hottest times of the day in summer (12pm-4pm) and opt for early morning or late afternoon visits to take advantage of the best light and fewer crowds.

How do I get to the outlying gardens, such as the Anima Garden?

Jardin Anima, located 28 km from Marrakech on the Ourika road, is accessible by taxi (negotiate the price in advance), organised excursion or hire car. The journey takes around 45 minutes and offers magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains. The Agdal and Menara gardens are more easily reached by taxi or horse-drawn carriage from the city centre.