Patio de los Naranjos, in Seville

In the Iberian Peninsula, and to be more specific, in Spain we have gardens with a lot of history. In the south, one of the oldest spaces is what is now known as Patio de los Naranjos, which is located in Seville.

It is part of its Cathedral, and although its surface is very small, when the trees bloom the aroma of orange blossom is intoxicating.

History of the Patio de los Naranjos

The Patio de los Naranjos is an area that began to be built in 1172, and whose works ended in 1186. Its origin is Muslim, since at that time the Muslims had already conquered a good part of the peninsula, in addition to the Balearic Islands. From that year on, the patio was the scene of a multitude of cultural events, parties, and even served as a cemetery.

Seven arches were built in the center, which were the original entrance to an Almohad mosque. Today they are called Puerta del Perdón. However, it is not the only thing there: in what in the past was a prayer room of the mosque, the Puerta de la Concepción stands, which has nothing Muslim decoration, but it does have a Renaissance decoration.

And continuing with the changes, unfortunately there is very little left of what it once was. After the conquest of Seville by the Christians, something that happened between August 1247 and November 1248, and especially after the construction of the Seville Cathedral between 1401 and 1507, the Patio de los Naranjos has been reduced to its minimum expression . And if that wasn't enough in 1618 the west wing was torn down to build what would become known as the Iglesia del Sagrario.

Even so, today it is a patio that is well worth visiting. Its shape is rectangular, and it measures about 80 meters long by 43 meters wide.. And as the name suggests, there are orange trees planted in six rows. But in addition, there is a fountain in the modern design center that occupies the site where the old saber (Arabic public source).

How can you access it?

Visiting the Patio de los Naranjos is an experience that is never forgotten, especially if it is done in spring, which is when the trees are in bloom. To go there once you are in Seville You just have to go to the Cathedral, which is on Avenida de la Constitución and whose entrance has a general price of 10 euros.

As soon as you get to the avenue, you have to look for Alemanes Street, from which you can enter the Patio through the Puerta del Perdón. So if any of you dare to go, do not hesitate to take your camera or well-charged mobile, because surely you are going to enjoy this place.