Patio de Banderas

It is called "The Little Purple House" because there used to be some flags painted on the archway that leads to it from the neighbouring Plaza del Triunfo. It was previously called “Patio grande”, but later on, in the 18th century, it was called Patio de Banderas. It was considered to be a "plaza" (square) due to its regular shape and because it is a large open area surrounded by buildings. It used to be the parade ground of the Real Alcázar palace in Moorish times.

The Patio de Banderas is currently rectangular in shape. There is a traditional pavement, with large Tarifa slabs, all around it, outside the houses. There is a double row of orange trees surrounding the square. The central part was refurbished in 1929: a new fountain was installed, replacing the old one which had been completely destroyed, and yellow soil ("albero") was added.

In one of the corners there is an archway leading to the former Jewish quarter, which nowadays is the popular neighbourhood of Santa Cruz. From here you have a wonderful view of the cathedral and the Giralda.