A courtyard study

Stark exterior

Hello, I am back! Sorry for my absence – my internet (which had already been patchy lately) went on the brink and so I was unable to post anything for a couple of days. But, although I enjoyed the time off, I’m glad to be back! Today I have a lovely courtyard to show you – hope you like it!

Lantern

On Carrer del Carme, through the same arch that accesses the first courtyard I posted about (remember?) you get to a place with a rather stark exterior. High stone walls, just a few windows, one simple balcony, and no frilly decor, except for above and on the gorgeous double doors…

Doorway decor

Well handled

…which lead to a courtyard that is a complete contrast to all the exterior starkness, because it is full of colour and detail!

Courtyard contrast

Starting with an imposing well, topped with a statue of a saint (not sure which, sorry) and with a water fountain on its back side, and all of this surrounded by potted plants. What an oasis!

Well + water fountain

Spout creature

There are references to animals on the fountain spout…

Arched gallery

Canine drain

… and on the drain spouts, and these especially are truly beautiful, and very ornate. Just look at this dog and bull (or maybe it’s a cow?) and the frilly family crest beneath both.

Bovine drain

Turret windows

On one of the corners there is a pretty turret, with very dainty window panes in a geometric pattern.

Cornered

On all walls surrounding the courtyard the walls have been tiled, both on ground level as on the gallery, in a mix between geometric motifs and floral ones, creating a very graphic and colourful environment.

Graphic mix

Antique table

A couple of antique tables such as the one above are dotted around the place. Despite their age they are in very good condition, as are the lamps that hang from the ceiling in various points. They are gorgeous in their simplicity, I think.

Simple light

Family crest

The most elaborate are the family crest, which has been incorporated into the walls, water spouts and ceiling pieces, and the wrought iron window grilles, which seem like lace for they appear so delicate.

Iron lace

Fancy lamp

In the foyer, before accessing the courtyard, these delightful lamps offer light, and the round stone that holds the arches in place on the ceiling has been crowned with the family crest, which shows 3 horse shoes, in a diagonal banner on a shield.

Crested ceiling piece

Long story

A large marble plaque, above some very elaborate and artful tiles, tells the story of how this former hospital building was constructed and mentions devastating fires, the death of its commissioner Pau Ferran Caval, famine, war and more difficutlties which delayed construction of this beautiful place.

If you wish to visit this lovely courtyard, then kindly bear in mind that it is a place of work, so don’t forget to ask permission to enter before you do. The guards are very friendly so it is unlikely they will not grant their permission to do so. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Told with tiles