Pati de l'ambaixador Vich

Pati de l'ambaixador Vich is a Renaissance courtyard within the Museum of Fine Arts and displays a rectangular form with three levels of classical proportion. Genoese marble columns and stone arches create the main structural elements that give the space its formal character.

This courtyard was built in 1525 as part of the palace of Jeroni Vich i Vallterra, a diplomat who served at the court of Ferdinand the Catholic in Rome. It was created during a period when the region was beginning to embrace Renaissance architectural ideas.

The courtyard displays Italian design principles merged with local craftsmanship, showing how Renaissance ideas arrived and took root in this region. Visitors can see this blend in the column details and stonework, which reflect contributions from different artisans.

The courtyard is located within the Museum of Fine Arts and is accessible during regular museum hours. The main museum entrance leads to this space, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes to explore the detailed stonework and levels at a leisurely pace.

The marble columns and stones from the original courtyard were scattered across Valencia after the palace was demolished in 1859, but were not carefully reassembled until 2007. This long separation means visitors are seeing a remarkable example of historical reconstruction and dedicated restoration work.