Orange Tree Courtyard Mosque-Cathedral

The courtyard of the Mosque, during the Muslim period, was used very differently from the way it was used by the Christians. At that time, it was used for teaching, holding trials, and of course, since the prayer hall was open to the outside, there was a closer connection to the sacred place. With the arrival of the Christians, the prayer hall was closed off due to the opening of chapels on its northern side. Deconsecrated, the courtyard came to take on the characteristics of a square annexed to the Cathedral, being used as a garden, a place for leisure, or even a cemetery.

Historical Uses of the Patio de los Naranjos

The Patio de los Naranjos of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba had different uses since its creation during the Muslim era.

The oldest record of the use of the courtyard after the city’s conquest by Ferdinand III the Saint dates back to 1263, when the Gómez de Alcázar family requested to be buried in “l claustra de Santa María“. At that time, each gallery was made up of a series of horseshoe arches, in whose spandrels small semicircular openings were found. Above the arches ran a fluted cornice, and crowning the ensemble was a series of stepped battlements.

Christian Renovations of the 16th Century

At the beginning of the 16th century, under Bishop Martín Fernández de Angulo (1510–1516), Hernán Ruiz I, then master builder of the Cathedral, remodeled the three galleries built during the time of Hisam I (757–796). The façades facing the courtyard took on a completely different layout, divided into sections of three slightly pointed semicircular arches framed by an alfiz, with each section separated by a large pier, semicylindrical in its lower half and polygonal in the upper. Most of the capitals were reused, with many coming from the old galleries of the Muslim courtyard, or from the group removed from the Chapel of Villaviciosa. It is worth noting that, at this time, Hernán Ruiz was beginning the first works of the new Main Chapel.

The Garden and the Orange Trees

We have evidence of the presence of orange trees in the courtyard since 1512, although their original arrangement and number are unknown. At the end of the 16th century, Friar Gregorio de Alfaro wrote that the courtyard had “…a beautiful plantation of orange trees that captivates the eyes of all who enter that sacred temple…“. At the beginning of the following century, Bishop Francisco de Reinoso ordered the demolition of some walls in the courtyard and restructured it, turning it, as Nieto Cumplido states, “…from orchard and yard into a garden“. Its layout at the end of the 17th century is known thanks to Tomás Fernández Moreno: “…all made of small stone… divided into three very spacious plots” (referring to its parceling) “in which there are about 80 orange trees, about 12 cypresses and 3 palm trees… There is also an olive tree, and various plants are being added…“. The current layout of the Patio de los Naranjos is very similar to that of the Baroque period, differing mainly in the number of trees.

Number and Evolution of the Orange Trees

We know of the presence of orange trees in the courtyard since the 16th century, but by the 17th century there were already 80.

Visiting the Patio de los Naranjos

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, the best option would be the Mosque-Cathedral, choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you can learn everything about the Patio de los Naranjos. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.