The Royal Chancery, Granada is the high court of the city. So, while entering it you will find armed guards protecting the monument of justice. Before serving as the high court, the Real Chancilleria, Granada used to be the prison house and the house of justice in the renaissance period. It is almost the same age as the Plaza Nueva, where it is situated. It was designed by Diego de Siloe, in the 1530s when the Plaza was built. There are two galleries in the inner side of the courtyard – the lower courtyard and the upper courtyard. The lower part of the courtyard is encircled by arches in the shape of half-barrel. They have been supported by marble Doric columns.