Morocco - A hidden oasis of colour, tranquillity and inspiration - that's how you can describe the Jardin Majorelle, a unique two and a half hectare botanical garden located in the heart of Marrakech. This garden was created in 1923 by the French painter and orientalist Jacques Majorelle, who was fascinated by Moroccan culture, nature and light, which was often reflected in his artistic work.
Majorelle chose a plot of land for his life's work in what was then still a quiet part of the city and gradually expanded it over more than 40 years. Thanks to his passion for botany and his love of exotic plants, he created a unique garden landscape that combines more than 300 species of plants from five continents, from cacti and palms to bamboos and water lilies. The visual symbol of the garden is the intense shade of cobalt blue - the so-called "majorelle blue" - which the artist used on the facades of the houses, fountains and pots. This rich blue tone contrasts with the rich greenery of the plants and the yellow or orange details to create an unforgettable visual composition.
In 1947, Majorelle opened the garden to the public, with the proceeds from admission fees intended to cover the costs of its demanding upkeep. However, after his personal crisis and divorce in the 1950s, he was forced to sell the property. The garden fell into oblivion, was neglected and fell into disrepair, its original beauty slowly fading away.
A turning point came in 1980, when the garden was discovered by the famous French fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. They immediately realised its value and decided to save it. They bought it, renovated it and gradually restored it to its former charm, preserving Majorelle's vision. After Yves Saint Laurent's death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the very gardens he loved so much. One of the pavilions now houses a small museum dedicated to his legacy.
Today, the Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited sights in Marrakech, with over 700,000 visitors from all over the world coming here every year. But it's not just a botanical garden - it's a place where art, history, nature and spirituality come together. With its unique atmosphere and cultural significance, it has become an icon of the city and living proof of how a passion for beauty and art can save what was almost lost.
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