Cordoba Patios Tour

This guided tour takes place in the Santa Marina district, specifically inside the splendid Palacio de Viana. The highlights of this stately residence are the 12 courtyards beautifully decorated with plants, flowers and fountains. An expert guide will accompany you to discover them, and you will learn about their history and the most important anecdotes. The itinerary lasts about 2 hours and starts from a central point of the city, such as the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos or the Roman Temple.

These cosy courtyards had a double function: to give light and ventilation to the rooms and to allow social life. The first of the courtyards is located just behind the entrance and is known as the Patio de Recibo (Reception Courtyard). It is notable for its 16 columns with Tuscan-style capitals framing a tall palm tree in the centre. It also owes its charm to the clivia, bougainvillea and dama de noche plants.

Inside the Palacio de Viana there are not only stately rooms, but also faithful examples of the popular courtyards of Cordoba. The best known is the Patio of the Cats, so called because of the presence of these felines, attracted by the kitchens that overlooked this room. Another remarkable room is the Patio de la Alberca, which is distinguished by its small pool flanked by a greenhouse.

The Palacio de Viana shows seven centuries of stylistic and architectural evolution. It all began in 1425, when Ruy Fernández, Lord of Fuentecubierta, bought a group of medieval houses. Year after year and after several changes of ownership, the residence acquired the conformation we know today. In addition to the beautiful interior gardens, the residence houses more than 7,000 antique books, weapons, tapestries, porcelain and paintings of incalculable value.

Those interested in this attraction can visit the Andalusian city in the first fortnight of May, when the Fiesta de los Patios takes place.