This courtyard was built in the mid-16th century and formed part of the Casa Zaporta, the palace owned by banker and merchant Gabriel Zaporta on Calle San Jorge, close to Zaragoza’s former Jewish quarter. It is an outstanding example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture, particularly remarkable for the richness and originality of its decoration.

Its complex iconographic programme reflects the humanist culture of the period and includes numerous symbolic, mythological and zodiacal references. Its interpretation has been linked, among other themes, to Emperor Charles V and to the marriage of Gabriel Zaporta and Sabina Santángel.

The courtyard takes its name from María Teresa de Vallabriga y Rozas, widow of Infante Luis Antonio Jaime de Borbón, brother of King Charles III, who lived in the palace during the final years of the 18th century.

By the end of the 19th century, the building had fallen into a state of neglect and, after suffering several fires, it was demolished in 1903. The courtyard and entrance were saved, purchased by the French antiquarian Ferdinand Schultz and transferred to Paris, where they remained for more than fifty years. In 1957, Ibercaja recovered them for Zaragoza, and in 1980 the courtyard was installed inside its headquarters, where it can be visited today.