Puerta del Perdón

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The original bronze plating on the doors dates back to the Almohad period, around 1172.

2. 2

   The courtyard contains an ancient Visigothic stone fountain basin repurposed for ritual washing.

3. 3

   Above the archway, the terracotta figures depict the Annunciation, installed during the Renaissance period.

4. 4

   The patio layout follows the traditional Islamic four-quadrant garden design, though the orange trees were planted much later.

5. 5

   The Puerta del Perdón is one of the few surviving original entryways from the 12th-century mosque complex.

Overview

The Puerta del Perdón serves as the original Almohad-era entrance to the Great Mosque of Seville, which now functions as the courtyard for the Seville Cathedral. The structure features a horseshoe arch adorned with ornate 16th-century terracotta decorations by sculptor Bartolomé López Valdivielso. Inside, the Patio de los Naranjos maintains its grid of irrigation channels and orange trees, reflecting its historical function as a site for ritual ablutions. The patio is enclosed by high walls, preserving the layout of the original mosque’s sahn. It currently provides the primary exit route for tourists descending from the Giralda tower.

Insider tips

• Look closely at the terracotta figures on the door arch, as they are often overlooked by crowds heading directly to the cathedral ticket line.

• Position yourself near the fountain to capture the reflection of the Giralda tower in the water.

• Visit during the spring flowering season to experience the intense fragrance of the orange blossoms.