It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, where visitors can relax under the shade of fragrant orange trees.
Let’s explore this unique must-see feature of the cathedral.
Patio de los Naranjos: A Brief History
The Orange Courtyard was originally part of the Almohad mosque that stood on the site before the cathedral.
Patio de los Naranjos dates back to the 12th century. It served as an ablutions courtyard where worshippers performed ritual washing before prayers.
After the mosque was converted into a cathedral in the 15th century, three elements of the mosque are still present in the present cathedral, namely:
- The lower part of the Giralda Tower was the minaret of the mosque.
- The Puerta del Perdón or the Door of Forgiveness.
- And Patio de los Naranjos.
These serve as a reminder of Seville’s rich Islamic heritage.
Orange Courtyard: Key Features
The Patio de los Naranjos has a symmetrical layout, featuring rows of bitter orange trees and a central fountain.
Despite undergoing significant changes over the centuries, the courtyard retains traces of its Islamic origins.
One striking feature is the presence of pillars supporting pointed horseshoe arches on two sides of the courtyard.
At the center of the courtyard stands a fountain, the only remaining sign of the Visigoth period (5th to 8th centuries).
The current fountain was built on top of the original fountain (or midha, as it was known during the mosque era), which was used by Muslims for ritual washing before prayers.
The eastern area of the courtyard, known as the Granada, is notable for its famous stone platform, which has hosted sermons delivered by many renowned preachers.
The Granada symbolizes the courtyard’s spiritual significance and its connection to the religious practices carried out within the Seville Cathedral.
The tranquil ambiance and the gentle scent of oranges make it a delightful place to visit.
But why Oranges?
Historically, the oranges were first brought to Europe by the Arabs from Asia, where their planting was associated with the happiness of their owner.
Hence, when the Arabs expanded to Spain and established the Moorish kingdom, they brought various trees with them, like lemon, cypress, aubergine, palm and more.
Orange trees were planted in the mosque’s courtyard at the time, and even after the Catholic king Ferdinand III conquered Spain, they remained.
Gradually, over time, the trees and the sweet smell associated with them have become Seville’s emblem.
Today, Seville is known for its abundance of orange trees, with over 25,000 trees in the city.
The bitter Seville oranges are used for perfume, wine, and jam, particularly the famous “Seville Orange Marmalade.”
Book your Seville Cathedral tickets now and enjoy the tranquility at the Orange Courtyard!
To conclude, the Patio de los Naranjos offers a glimpse into Seville’s historical layers, combining Islamic and Christian heritage.
Its orange trees are not just a botanical feature but a symbol of the city’s rich cultural legacy.
A visit to this tranquil courtyard provides a serene experience amidst the grandeur of Seville Cathedral.
Featured Image: Catedraldesevilla.es
