Gabriel Zaporta commissioned the courtyard in the 1550s to display his wealth and high social standing.
The courtyard was acquired by a French antique dealer in the early 20th century before being recovered for the city of Zaragoza.
The stone medallions decorating the columns depict historical figures, including portraits of the emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal.
The space includes a significant collection of original wood-carved ceiling panels that survived the dismantling process.
The reconstruction project required precise archaeological reconstruction techniques to integrate the 16th-century stonework into the contemporary headquarters building.
The courtyard is named 'Patio de la Infanta' after Doña Teresa de Vallabriga, who lived in the original palace after her marriage to the Infante Luis of Bourbon.
Fundación Ibercaja Patio de la Infanta is a 16th-century Plateresque courtyard originally constructed for the palace of Gabriel Zaporta, a wealthy merchant and banker. The courtyard was dismantled in 1903 and eventually relocated and reconstructed within the modern Ibercaja headquarters building in 1980. It features an intricate decorative program on its columns and medallions that blends Renaissance motifs with heraldic symbols. The structure represents one of the finest examples of civil architecture from the Spanish Renaissance period. Visitors can observe ornate wood carvings, sculpted stone arches, and a unique architectural preservation project. It serves as a multifunctional exhibition space and cultural venue within the city center. The courtyard remains the focal point of the Fundación Ibercaja cultural initiatives.
From the center of the ground floor looking upward to capture the symmetry of the Renaissance arches and the intricate medallion details.
Check the official website for temporary exhibition schedules, as the courtyard often hosts diverse art displays.
Look up at the intricate coffered ceiling to see the preserved original woodwork alongside the stone elements.
Combine your visit with a short walk to the nearby Plaza de los Sitios.
Do not assume the space is only a museum; it is also a functional corporate lobby and exhibition hall, so be mindful of ongoing cultural events or private functions.
Occasional closures occur for private corporate events or exhibition installations; check the website calendar before visiting.
