Pati dels Tarongers, Renaissance courtyard in Gothic Quarter, Spain

The Pati dels Tarongers is a paved open courtyard at the centre of the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, built from the early 16th century by Pau Mateu and continued by Tomàs Barsa. It holds orange trees in individual tree pits, a central fountain with a 1926 image of Sant Jordi by Frederic Galcerà Alabart, and gargoyles including the Turk and the Macer.

The courtyard's origin lies in the palace expansions begun in the early 16th century: Pau Mateu built the surrounding wings and central section, work continued by Tomàs Barsa. The first orange trees, 24 in number, were planted in the palace garden on 28 January 1534, during the three-year term of Dionís de Carcassona.

The courtyard's name comes from the orange trees planted in individual pits, a layout common in Renaissance public buildings and noble houses. Under Jordi Pujol's government, a chocolate-and-churros reception for notable figures was held here on Sant Jordi's day.

The Pati dels Tarongers is an interior courtyard of the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government, so it is not freely open like a public square. Visits depend on the palace's institutional activity and guided-visit arrangements; check current conditions before travelling. The courtyard lies in the Gothic Quarter, between Carrer de Sant Sever and Carrer de Sant Honorat.

During Sant Jordi celebrations on April 23, the courtyard transforms into a flower market where local groups sell roses to visitors. This yearly tradition brings a distinct energy to the space that exists nowhere else in the building.