PATIO DE LOS ARRAYANES

The Patio de Los Arrayanes or Court of the Myrtles is the central courtyard of the famous palace, the Palacio de Comares in Granada, Spain. It was originally intended for Comares to serve as the seat of executive government. Myrtle shrubs, whose vibrant green color stands out against the white marble of the patio, are responsible for the area's current nickname, Patio de Los Mirtos.

Depending on what features are on display in the courtyard of the Sultan's formal residence, the Patio de los Arrayanes has been known by a number of different names over the years. The patio's arrayanes (or myrtle) massifs, which are a vibrant green and contrast beautifully with the white marble floor and central pond, are responsible for the current designation (as with Patio de Los Mirtos).

Due to the pond that runs the length of the patio and receives water from two marble piles at either end, it was also known as Patio del Estanque or de la Alberca. There are two sets of rooms on either side of the courtyard, as well as porches on the smaller sides, each with a semicircular arch embellished with sculpted diamonds and inscriptions praising God.

The columns supporting the arches have cubic capitals. The largest of the seven arches, it is adorned with huge slashes, ataurique detailing, and mocharabe capitals. You find vasares of morarabes stored in closets at the southernmost end of the gallery, with the inscription, "The support and protection of God and a great triumph for our Lord Abu Abd 'Allah, emir of the Muslims." 

Recommended Read: Things To See In Granada Spain

Highlights

• The main attraction of the courtyard is its pond, which is split in half by the Patio de Los Arrayanes and is watered by two marble basins at the north and south ends.
• Its long sides are bordered by neatly kept myrtle hedges, their bright green color standing in stark contrast to the blue of the lake.
• On the northern and southern, the shorter sides of the pool, there are porticos, each of which contains 7 semicircular arches with the largest one located in the center. The capitals of these porticos are shaped like mocarabes or stalactite formations and their scallops are solid.
• At the southernmost end of the gallery, there are vasares of morarabes stored in cupboards.
• The north gallery shares many characteristics with the south gallery; for example, both have traces of ornamental and epigraphic features.