Patio de la Infanta is a Renaissance courtyard inside Ibercaja’s headquarters at Calle de San Ignacio de Loyola 16 in Zaragoza. Once part of merchant and banker Gabriel Zaporta’s residence, it is a compact stop for carved columns, ornate arches, friezes and a central fountain. Inside, you can also see tapestries and changing exhibitions, which have included works by Goya. The courtyard’s intricate decoration rewards a slow look; allow extra time if an exhibition is open during your visit.
A courtyard from Gabriel Zaporta’s residence
The courtyard belonged to the Casa Zaporta, a residence associated with Gabriel Zaporta, a merchant and banker. Built in the 16th century, the house stood on Calle de San Jorge. Its surviving courtyard is now inside Ibercaja’s headquarters, giving the historic space a very different setting from its original home.
Much of the palace was demolished after it was abandoned in the 19th century. The courtyard and entrance survived. The courtyard was later bought by an antique dealer from Paris, who restored it there as part of his business. It was subsequently returned to Zaragoza.
Details to look for
The courtyard’s Aragonese Renaissance design is expressed in its carved stonework, friezes, columns, arches and balconies. Human figures appear among the column carvings. A central fountain completes the small interior space, so the decoration is close at hand rather than spread across a large building.
Look carefully at the ornaments and the carved surfaces as you move around the patio. The compact scale makes it possible to study individual details, including the sculpted columns and the decoration above them.
Tapestries and exhibitions
The space also displays tapestries from the Ibercaja collection. The collection includes eight tapestries made in Flanders and Brussels between the 15th and 17th centuries. Exhibition programming can add other works; displays have included paintings by Francisco de Goya.
The patio and exhibition areas may not share the same access schedule. Check the current exhibition information before visiting if a particular display is part of your plan. The building has also served different cultural roles over time, including as a school of fine arts, a music school and a casino.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Patio de la Infanta?
It is inside Ibercaja’s headquarters at Calle de San Ignacio de Loyola 16 in Zaragoza.
What can you see at Patio de la Infanta?
The courtyard has Renaissance arches, carved columns, friezes and a central fountain. It also displays tapestries and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Is Patio de la Infanta wheelchair accessible?
The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restroom.
