All the routes of the Patios of Córdoba They are not well known to the usual tourist, who focuses on the mosque-cathedral and the areas of the old town that are in sight. But behind the doors of some of the oldest houses a true treasure is hidden, the courtyards that became a fundamental element in the houses already in Roman and Muslim times.
If we also want to see these patios in all their splendor we have to go in May, which is when the Feast of the Patios of Córdoba. Party in which those patios are adorned with many flowers so that they look very beautiful. Without a doubt it is a beautiful experience if we meet in the city at this time.
The Patios of Córdoba
La good weather in the city of Córdoba has encouraged the creation of this type of house already in times of the Roman conquest. Structures that continued to be important with Muslims and today. The central patio in Andalusian houses is common, since it is an intimate area in the house that is outdoors, so that you can enjoy the fresh air and the sun throughout the year and in the privacy of our own own home. These patios used to have a well or a water collection area, something important in a city where it hardly rained, so in some the old wells can still be seen as part of the patios.
These courtyards they are in the center of the houseAs you go through the hall, which is usually decorated with mosaics or flowers, you reach the patio, going out into the open air again. These patios can have cobblestone or mosaic in the ground, plants, fountains or wells in the center. In addition, the oldest houses have cloisters around them and balconies that are also often adorned with flowers.
Routes of the Patios
Keep in mind that there are patios in places like Stately palaces and convents. These can be seen at times throughout the year, but the popular patios of private houses are only accessible in the first half of May. If you are curious to see these patios and you really want to see the most original and homemade ones, then you should wait for the Festival de los Patios.
If you don't want to miss any of these patios you can take guided tours for tourists, so that we do not have to worry about looking for them. Another way to enjoy the patios is with new technologies. We recommend you visit the Gate of the patios or its App, where there are several routes that intertwine in the oldest area of Córdoba to enjoy the most famous patios.
Those who are not lucky enough to visit the city during the May season and right at the festival of the patios, can request a guided tour of the company DePatios, which organizes excursions to five patios of the most important, all of them participating in the festival. These patios are located on Calle San Basilio, Martín de Roa, Duartas, La Barrera and Postrera. We should also know that everyone has won a prize at the patio party, which is why it is an interesting selection of the most significant patios.
To learn more about these patios we can visit the Interpretation Center of the Cordovan Patios, located on Calle Trueque number 4. This center has four rooms dedicated to the courtyard festival, two audiovisual rooms, a workshop and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Courtyard party
The Courtyard Festival takes place the first fortnight in May and you can visit many of the most beautiful and ancient courtyards in the city, in private homes, which is why it has become an event in the city. This party started in 1921 established by the Córdoba city council and it has remained a highly anticipated contest for homeowners and visitors to the city. In this route, the most characteristic places where the participating courtyards are located. From the Alcázar Viejo area to San Basilio, the neighborhood of Santa Marina, San Lorenzo and Magdalena. The routes can vary and there are different ways to see them. In addition, during the party the entrance to them is free so you have to take advantage of it. One of the places not to be missed in this festival is the Palacio de Viana, a monumental place that offers up to twelve patios. The party not only visits the patios, which have been adorned with the typical geraniums in their pots, but also a fun festival is held in the San Basilio neighborhood, next to the Royal Stables, which completes the party of the patios.