History of the Patios of Córdoba
Patios Festival 2027: 3 to 16 May.
Because of Córdoba's dry, hot climate, the city's inhabitants, first the Romans and later the Muslims, adapted the type of ordinary house to their needs, arranging the home around a patio, which usually had a fountain in the centre and often a well that collected rainwater.
The Muslims reworked this layout, giving access to the house from the street through an entrance hall (zaguán) and placing abundant plants to increase the feeling of coolness.
Types of Patio
There are two clear types of patio. The first belongs to the single-family house, where the rooms are arranged around it. It is usually cloistered and the floor is paved with flagstones or pebble mosaic.
The second, belonging to the casa de vecinos (shared tenement house), less common today, gives access to the dwellings. It usually has two floors, so the patio is enriched with long balconies, a staircase and a small tiled roof. The floors are usually cobbled. A well is often found instead of a fountain, together with a shared washing area.
Location
The most characteristic neighbourhood is the Alcázar Viejo, between the Alcázar and the parish of San Basilio, although they can also be found in the Santa Marina neighbourhood and around San Lorenzo and La Magdalena. Around the Mosque-Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter also has examples of great beauty and age. The finest example is the Palacio de Viana, which offers twelve different patios.
Map of the Córdoba Patios (2018)
Source: La Fiesta de los patios de Córdoba (2018)
Videos of the Córdoba Patios Festival (2018)
Source: TVM Córdoba
The Patios Competition
Since 1921 the City Council has organised a Patios competition during the first half of May, in which the owners eagerly decorate their homes to win the prestigious prize offered by the Council.
At the same time a festival is held with numerous folk performances featuring the region's best flamenco singers and dancers.
All of this accompanied by Montilla-Moriles wine, the local fino, with typical tapas.
Take a guided tour of the Córdoba Patios Festival: Guided Tour