Jardin des innocents - Troyes

The Jardin Médiéval des Innocents was created in 2008 on the site of the former ossuary of Sainte Madeleine. It marks the opening to the public of a previously secret place: the former cemetery of the Sainte Madeleine church , one of the most beautiful in the city.

The remains of ancient monuments are found there, as well as the human remains of the most fervent believers, who, according to custom, were buried as close as possible to the house of the Divine.

Given the archaeological wealth of the site, the layout of the medieval garden had to be modified. Soil was brought to the site and then covered with geotextile to protect the ossuary. The entire project is therefore reversible. A total of 450 m2 were laid out on two levels to create the Jardin des Innocents. The architecture of this garden is inspired by the gardens of the Middle Ages. It uses symbolic elements imbued with spirituality to enhance the architectural face of the church, which was unknown to the general public until its opening in 2008.

Here the history of stone is reflected in plants. The staging of the botanical elements combines green and white as symbols. The design follows the liturgical translation, such as hope, rebirth and eternity for green, virginity, purity, light and wisdom for white.

As you wander, peace and tranquility take over your mind.

The Jardin des Innocents is a semi-perennial garden. It is open to visitors from June to mid-October . Admission is free.

Willem Vandenameele