Patio de Banderas - Seville

The Patio de Banderas , in the form of an old neighborhood patio, is located in the area of the Reales Alcázares of Seville and can be considered a square due to its dimensions, as it has an area of 1,441 m² .

It is a transit point that provides access to both the Plaza del Triunfo and the Barrio de Santa Cruz (formerly the Jewish Quarter), through the alley of the Jewish Quarter, as long as it is accessible from the exit of the Alcázar through the stop (large corridor used as a stopping place for carriages and cars) towards the patio. It is surrounded by the high walls of the Alcázar.

The name is due to the fact that when a king arrived, flags were placed on that spot in honor of his welcome, although it may also be due to some flags that fluttered in the wind and that in other times were frescoed installed above the existing entrance door to the palace.

During the Muslims' stay in the city and while they occupied the fortress, Abd al-Rahman III ordered the construction of this space as a palace in the 10th century and it came to be known as the Dar Al-Imara or house. of the Prince or the Governor's house into which He entered through another door which is at present barred.
In the time of Philip V, while in Seville, in 1729, he ordered the room to be converted into an armory (as indicated by a memorial stone) and thus fulfill the function for which it was intended.

In 1816, benches and a fountain were installed in the center, all surrounded by trees. In 1857 the benches were dismantled, leaving only the trees and the fountain, they have not been changed since.

On the occasion of the Ibero-American Exhibition in Seville in 1929, the central part was remodeled again, where a completely destroyed fountain stood, a new one was placed, albero added around it and also allowed the movement of vehicles in the area.
It was also a riding arena because the stop, today the exit door to the Alcázar, was so close.

From some corners of the patio you can enjoy beautiful views of the upper part of the Giralda.

The Patio de Banderas has orange trees whose orange blossoms bloom most of the year. But watch out! Spending the night in this place means facing the mysteries of the afterlife if you just go through the alley that leads from the Patio to the Barrio de Santa Cruz: you can feel accompanied by the steps of an invisible person who follows you . This is not surprising, as it is said that the ghost of King Pedro walks through this outer courtyard of the Alcázar every night.

Willem Vandenameele