The Secret Garden of Marc

The Secret Garden of Marc, a unique hidden treasure in the heart of Rhodes’ Medieval Town, opens its gates on Sunday, 18 October, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Tucked away within the medieval walls, the garden is just a short walk from the Clock Tower, next to the Byzantine churches of St Mark and St George, also known as the Hurmali Medresse Mosque.

This rare garden was created in memory of the young Frenchman Marc de Montalembert by his family, following his tragic death in a diving accident in the Aegean Sea, near Turkey, in 1993.

Marc had a deep affection for Rhodes, particularly the Old Town and this very spot. In his memory, Count Marc-René de Montalembert and his wife purchased the property, established the Marc de Montalembert Foundation, and created this unique medieval-style garden. In 1995, they donated it to the Municipality of Rhodes.

According to archaeological findings, a garden existed on this site as early as the 13th century, during both the era of the Knights and the Ottoman period. Designed in the style of medieval gardens, it is now home to around 90 species of Mediterranean plants, flowers and trees, including orange, lemon and mandarin trees, oaks, 13 varieties of roses, lavender, thyme and many others.

The garden is not open to the public every day. It welcomes visitors only two or three times a year: on 25 April, the feast day of St Mark, usually on a Sunday in May, and on a Sunday in October.

If you are visiting Rhodes when this beautiful garden opens its gates, take the opportunity to discover this hidden gem and enjoy a peaceful glimpse into the island’s history and heritage.

Admission is free.