“Do you remember seeing the Courtyard of the Maidens during our tour yesterday of Real Alcázar?” “Kind of,” Michelle said, meaning she was clueless. Patio de las Doncellas is a superb example of an Islamic inner-courtyard centered with a reflection pool and fountain plus encircled with arcades called a peristyle. The exquisite first level was built in the 14th century. The upper level – created with an Italian Renaissance design – was added during the 16th century by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.
