“A beautiful nursery of Orange Trees that catches one’s view upon entering that sacred temple”, this is how Fray Gregorio de Alfaro referred to the the Orange Grove or Garden of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba in his writings towards the end of the XVI century.It’s name is derived from the 98 orange trees planted in rows. It is the largest and oldest garden of the city and is dated as far back as 786, also the origin of this temple. The purpose of the gardens in the Muslin society was purely religious, although it also became an important gathering spot for the society of Córdoba. The arches of the Oratory opened to the garden. The same were used to conduct public activities such as, the administration of justice and for teaching. Beneath the grove exists a large cistern which satisfied all the water needs for purification rites of the Muslims. En the XIII century, palm trees were also planted and in the XV century mainly Orange trees. Olive and Cypress trees were introduced in the XVIII century. Alongside in the gallery, crossbeams and planks of the original roof are on exhibit, this resulting from the restoration works performed during the XIX century.