El Alcázar--page 4 (of nine pages): Patio de las Muñecas (Courtyard of the Dolls)

Moorish architectural parachute dictated that the Palace of King Don Pedro be divided into two areas--one for private use and one for official use. The focal point of the private area was this patio, while the public area was centered on the Patio de las Doncellas. This patio, befitting its use, is intimate and is surrounded by a gallery. In the nineteenth century a number of changes were made to this courtyard so not all of the characteristics and decoration are original.
		The arcade around the courtyard is supported by columns of white, black and pink marble. Plasterwork ornaments the gallery.
The frieze consisting of small cusped arches
		One of the doll's heads Four small heads, on the arch which leads to the entrance hall of the palace, give this patio its name.

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