The Serene Patio de los Naranjos in Seville

The Serene Patio de los Naranjos in Seville

In the midst of the sultry city of fun and historic Seville, there is an oasis of serenity, perfectly ideal for relaxation, prayer and to while away some time.

The quaint garden grounds of Patio de los Naranjos is one of the oldest spaces in Spain and is located within the distinguished grounds of Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. The rectangular space of tranquility was inherited from the Almohad mosque that once stood here in the 12th century.

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An overview of Patio de los Naranjos in Seville

The present Patio de los Naranjos has its origin in Muslim. It was an area that was built between 1172 and 1186 with seven arches in the centre which was the original entrance to the Almohad mosque. Many changes took place over the centuries, and the only remains of the Islamic era is the rectangular shape that measures 80 metres long by 43 metres wide.

Although it is a small courtyard, there is a fountain in modern design, located in the centre, surrounded by orange trees. The fountain occupies the site of the old Sabil, (a public source where the Muslims would perform ritual ablutions before entering the mosque).

The “orange tree courtyard”

The name, Patio de los Naranjos means “orange tree courtyard” and originates from a 16th century reference made by Rodrigo Caro who said:

“There are orange trees from many centuries ago there, with some palms and cypresses”

Rodrigo Caro (1573 – 1647) is a celebrated Spanish priest,  historian, archaeologist, lawyer, poet and writer.

There are six rows of orange trees planted here that exudes a subtle aroma of marmalade. It is worth visiting

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*The Patio de los Naranjos is now used by visitors to the Seville Cathedral to relax before and/or after the tour of the Cathedral.

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How to experience the Patio de los Naranjos

You can experience the Patio de los Naranjos by visiting the Seville Cathedral, officially known as the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede.

Seville Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, completion of which spanned well over a century! A majestic jaw-dropping sight, it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and will have you speechless when you see the opulent High Altar gilded in 30 tons of pure gold, a legacy of Spain’s wealth during the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus.

Read the article on the majestic Seville Cathedral in its entirety.

Your fast-track ticket to visit Seville Cathedral starts from £9.26

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Where to Stay in Seville, Andalusia

Seville is the capital city of Andalusia in Southern Spain. A bustling historic city and a favourite European destination, Seville has some of the hottest temperatures as the city is located away from the cooling influence of the coast.

With plenty of clear blue skies, scorching sunshine in summer and pleasantly warm in winter, Seville makes a popular tourist destination throughout the year. The city offers a wide range of accommodations from 2-stars to 5-stars that suits all budgets and interests. You can even book apartments and visit the local markets for fresh produce and experience life as a Sevillano.

There are several neighbourhoods where you could stay. Selecting where to stay depends very much on what you intend to do and how long you are visiting. Undoubtedly the Centro Seville is most popular but we would suggest that other barrios are equally interesting and convenient to stay at.

The following articles provide a comprehensive guide to the neighbourhoods in Seville – where to stay, things to do and where to eat.

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