Patio de los Naranjos, most beautiful places in Córdoba

When in your tourist trip to Córdoba you are going to visit the impressive mosque monument, the first thing that will surprise you is the beautiful Patio de los Naranjos.

Behind the wall that is located on the northwest side of the enormous closed area of the Mosque of Cordoba, and as a prelude to the entrance to the temple, you find the aforementioned Patio de los Naranjos.

This large patio, 130 meters long by 50 meters wide, has its name because of the rows that extend with 98 orange trees, which were planted at the end of the 17th century.

Together with the palm trees, the orange trees make up a scene of great color and beauty, especially in the winter season, precisely when my last two visits to Córdoba coincide.

History and curiosities of the Patio de los Naranjos

The origin of Patio de los Naranjos It is a small ablution courtyard that was built in front of the original prayer hall of the mosque, in the year 786.

However, current yard dimensions, which you can see during your visit to the mosque, correspond to the expansion that was carried out in the X century, at the time of Abderraman III.

After entering the Patio de los Naranjos, possibly due to the most important access, the Door of Forgiveness, what will catch your attention the most is the beautiful scene that the orange trees and palm trees create with the high bell tower, which is a succession of the original minaret of the mosque Omeya.

Fountain of Santa María in the Patio de los Naranjos in the Mosque of Córdoba

Therefore, to enjoy this beautiful panoramic view, it is best to access it from the east façade, specifically from the Saint Catherine's Gate.

But in the Patio of the Orange Trees of the Mosque of Córdoba You also find two large fountains and three water jets.

The most prominent is the Santa Maria Fountain, also called Olive Caño, baroque fountain from the 17th century.

And the other prominent corner of the Patio de los Naranjos are arcaded galleries, which at different times were used as a school site, or even as a hospital.

Currently, in one of the corners of the arcaded galleries is where the introductory video for the highly recommended guided night tour of Alma de Córdoba.

Patio of the Orange Trees in the Mosque of Córdoba

I tell you that it is possible that you will remain intoxicated by the placidity of the Patio de los Naranjos, and I advise you to dedicate enough time to enjoy it, regardless of your visit of the Mosque of Córdoba.

Will not disappoint you.