Courtyard of the Orange Trees, Cathedral of Seville, Moorish courtyard at Cathedral Complex in Seville, Spain
The Courtyard of the Orange Trees is a rectangular space within the cathedral complex filled with orange trees planted in orderly rows. Stone pathways cross through it, connecting the different parts of the cathedral, while an ancient fountain sits at its center providing water.
This space originated in the 12th century as a ritual washing area for the Great Mosque that once stood here. When the cathedral was built later, the basic layout was preserved and adapted to serve the new Christian building.
The courtyard reflects its Moorish origins through the layout and the central fountain with its historic basin. Today it remains a place where visitors experience the layered history of Seville through the space itself.
Access to the courtyard is included with cathedral entry and works best early in the morning or late afternoon when fewer visitors are present. The ground is level and easy to walk, though shade is limited on hot days.
The fountain at the center contains a basin from Visigothic times and continues to function today. This working water feature creates a tangible link between the past and present in a way that visitors often overlook.
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