• By 1931, the gardens were complete and the buildings' exterior walls were painted a bright cobalt blue which has become known as Majorelle blue.
• Sometime later they were able to purchase the gardens with a dream of restoring them to the luxuriant splendour we see today.
Marrakech known as the ‘red city’ is also a green city because of its wide boulevards, leafy squares, gardens and parks. Amongst these are the sub-tropical privately owned Majorelle gardens which are open to the public and famous for the gaudy blue paintwork used to dramatically enhance the exotic plant collection.
Jacques Majorelle Fulfilled His Dream And Left It To Marrakech
The gardens were originally created and owned by the French orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) who came to Morocco in the 1920’s and settled in Marrakech. On the land, he built his own home and later a large squat shaped art studio. The gardens surrounding these buildings were based on exotic styles he had seen in his youth in gardens on the Cote d'Azur in France. However, he did incorporate elements found in Islamic gardens such as pools, fountains, water channels, mosaics and pavillions.
By 1931, the gardens were complete and the buildings' exterior walls were painted a bright cobalt blue which has become known as Majorelle blue. Plant pots, steps, columns, railing and other small structures were also transformed with this vibrant colour.
The man who came to Marrakech to make his name as a painter died in 1962 and the gardens that eventually made him a more famous gardener became abandoned.
French couturier Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé who had owned several homes in Marrakech later bought Majorelle’s house which was adjacent to these abandoned gardens in 1980.
The house was restored and called the Villa Oasis. Sometime later they were able to purchase the gardens with a dream of restoring them to the luxuriant splendour we see today. American landscape artist Madison Cox supervised the restoration project and the Moroccan botanist Abderrazak Ben Chaabane was responsible for redesigning the plantings.
Many visitors are attracted by the Yves Saint-Laurent connection just as they are attracted to the online casinos Kenya, but the key to these gardens is the welcome escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of the dusty city outside. Mosaic decorated benches are there for taking a rest in the shade and enjoying the surroundings as this is a garden not to be rushed.
Majorelle's Fine Exotic And Indigenous Plant Collection Will Awaken The Senses
For true plant lovers, for whom all plants are labelled then it is also a memorable garden experience. The combination of Moorish and art-deco architecture, the vibrant Majorelle blue and the lush green landscape of exotic sub-tropical plants from the world over is unlike any other.
Red painted concrete pathways meander past pink and mauve bougainvillea, hibiscus, olive and fragrant orange trees, roses, papyrus, yuccas and palms. Water lilies and other aqua plants create a haven of paradise for the terrapins, frogs and goldfish that live happily in the rectangular pool.
The vibrant Majorelle blue paint is everywhere, from the walls to the ornate ceramic pots overflowing with unusual succulents. Giant monsteras and ferns relish the shady corners and honeysuckle clambers over the pergola shading the colourful pots below. Bright green and pale yellow painted terracotta pots contrast beautifully and join with the bright blue filled with ferns, succulents and the vivid purple heart, Tradescantia pallida. Beds of unusual and somewhat fierce aged cactus are laid out in front of Jacques Majorelles old studio and areas of bamboo swaying in the breeze complete the picture of this very special botanical garden.
The Museum Of Islamic Art Houses The Owners Private Collection And Paintings By Majorelle
The late Jacques Majorelle’s former studio now houses a museum of Islamic Art. Containing a private and varied collection of Islamic artefacts owned by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent. Included are items collected on their various travels throughout Morocco. Traditional Berber jewellery and embroidery, carpets brought from Rabat and Tazenakht, 18th and 19th century cedarwood inlaid doors from the south and valuable 18th century blue pottery from Fez are all on show. In a separate gallery are some pf Jacques Majorelle's paintings and lithographs from his period in South Morocco.
Outside The Gates Of The Majorelle Gardens A Different World Awaits
Outside in the street horses and carriages line-up to tempt the visitors. In fact this is a relaxing way of seeing Marrakech and a memorable end to the visit which would be a ride back to the Jemaa El Fna Square. Petit taxis take three passengers or a pleasant 15 minute walk away is the centre of Guéliz.
The Exotic Majorelle Gardens On The Edge Of The Palmaraie Are A Marrakech Must See!
Gardeners, inquisitive tourists and followers of Yves Saint-Laurent all visit the Majorelle Gardens for different reasons , taking away their individual memories. The peace and tranquility and the Majorelle Blue, however will be remembered by all.
Guide to Marrakech
The name Marrakech conjures up images of camels, sand dunes and crowded souks where traders ply their wares. While this is not too far from the truth, Marrakesh offers travellers the chance to dive head-first into the wonder that is Moroccan culture.
Djemaa-el-Fna
The centre of activity in Marrakech is the medina or the old city. At its heart lies Djemaa-el-Fna, Marrakesh’s main square. A constant cacophony of sounds assails the ears – water sellers in traditional dress clang copper cups together in attempt drive visitors to drink, snake charmers play oboes in an attempt to calm their cobras and vendors selling dried fruit and nuts tempt shoppers with the plumpest dates and apricots.
Late afternoon sees the fruit juice and dried fruit sellers make way for the many open-air restaurants that set up in the square each night. Here it is possible to sample some of the delicious food Morocco is known for, all freshly prepared on hot grills in front of you. Tasty kebabs, fresh grilled vegetables and flat breads, all washed down with sweet mint tea. Night time also brings out more entertainment – fortune tellers, belly dancers and snake charmers vie for your attention through the smoky air of the square.
Djemaa-el-Fna is also the gateway to some of the best souks in Marrakesh. The souks are a labyrinth of alleyways and part of the fun is taking off in any direction and getting lost. It’s customary to haggle for any purchases besides food and this should be seen as a fun adventure rather than an awkward situation. Always start off at around one third of the price quoted and work your way up. Only begin haggling if you actually intend to buy the item, and remember to always have a smile ready.
The souks are great places to buy locally crafted items and popular goods include mirrors, lanterns, jewellery , hand carved wooden boxes and leather handbags. There is no end to the beautiful works to be purchased and the only limitation is perhaps how much will fit into your luggage!
Koutoubia Mosque
Visible from almost anywhere in the medina is the Koutoubia minaret atop the Koutoubia Mosque. The biggest mosque in Marrakesh, this important landmark was built in the 12th century. Recent excavations have proven that the mosque, when first built, was not properly in line with Mecca and so was levelled and built again, this time in the correct alignment. The mosque is only open to Muslims, but the gardens surrounding it are open to all and afford great views of the minaret.
Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace
Morocco is rich in beautiful architecture and two excellent examples of this are the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. The Saadian Tombs were built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour ed-Dhabi and no expense was spared on the construction of his tomb. It incorporates Italian Carrara marble and honeycomb plaster archways, all beautifully decorated with mosaic. It’s possible to wander around the complex independently, but worth engaging a guide for a small tip who will be able to explain what’s what.
Bahia Palace was the vision of Grand Vizier Si Moussa who began the decoration of the palace from 1860. This was carried on by Abu Ahmed from 1894 to 1900. The palace rooms are awe inspiring with painted, gilded and inlaid woodwork ceilings. While only a portion of the complex is open to visitors, you can see the unfurnished but no less beautiful harem that once housed wives and concubines.
Activities with a Difference
If a break from architecture is on the cards, why not head to the Jardin Majorelle, the grounds and villa that once belonged to the landscape artist Jacques Majorelle. Bought by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergère, the villa and gardens are home to over 300 plant species. The villa now houses the Museum of Islamic Arts which includes Saint Laurent’s collection of decorative arts. It is also Saint Laurent’s final resting place after his ashes were scattered there after his death in 2008.
Another truly Moroccan experience is a visit to a hammam for a traditional scrub and massage. While there are upmarket hammams, a good deal can be found at local neighbourhood hammams. Prepare to be scrubbed, pummelled and steamed and to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed... and minus a few layers of dead skin cells.
Whether the objective of a trip to Marrakesh is to shop, soak up the culture, indulge in good food, or a combination of these, this city has something to offer everyone. The ancient and the modern seem to have a found comfortable way of co-habiting and you’ll be left with a sense of having experienced something special.