Keys to fully enjoy the most emblematic (and beautiful) festival in Córdoba

During the month of May,

is an authentic explosion of joy, color and smell.

Millions of flowers decorate its streets and squares, as well as the facades of the houses, to commemorate its most emblematic and recognized festival:

.

Cataloged of National Tourist Interest and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the event, which has been held since 1921, is one of the main attractions of the Andalusian city that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

What does it consist of?

For 100 years, the City Council has organized

during the first fortnight of May , in which the participants decorate these typical spaces of their homes with abundant flowers and well-cared pots, hanging or on the ground, in order to achieve the prestigious award.

This year, the contest is held until May 15 and during this period, the owners open their patios so that the public can visit them for free.

In addition to the color that floods the World Heritage city, visitors will find music from the

that take place in parallel in the busiest squares and streets, where the best singers and dancers meet. from the earth.

Fino de la Tierra and typical tapas complete this long-awaited festival.

Where are the most beautiful patios located?

The most characteristic neighborhood to visit these beautiful places is the

, between the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (fortress and palace dating back to the 13th century) and the

.

Along Calle de San Basilio and its surroundings you can visit up to twelve beautiful patios, such as those at Calle

, with ancient architecture.

Those located at Calle

are also old, while those at San Basilio, 15, 17 and 20 are more modern samples.

Another route is the one that runs through the neighborhood of La Judería, around the

, the most important monument in the city, declared a World Heritage Site.

Those on Calle

,

are a must.

The

area , around the churches of San Lorenzo and Magdalena, also has some of the most beautiful places.

One of the courtyards of the Palacio de Viana.

But, without a doubt, the most beautiful and important patios in the town are located in the

(Plaza de Don Gome, 2).

The majestic 15th century building was built around

decorated with a multitude of floral species that give each room a marked personality, each one different from the other.

They are all part of a historical journey through five centuries of history that begins in the neighboring patio of medieval origin and continues through the garden-orchard of Muslim origin, passing through the Renaissance patios as symbols of power, the sobriety of the Cordoban Baroque or the refinement of the Romantic.

Access to the courtyards of the Palace is free.

More information and schedules here.

Types of Courtyards

Each patio presents a unique architecture, according to its historical evolution, but they can be classified mainly into two groups:

, those found in old palaces or recognized religious buildings, such as those of the Palacio de Viana, the

, in the Mosque-Cathedral, that of the synagogue or the sanctuary of Fuensanta, or the

which have participated in the competition since its inception in 1921 to the present.

These are distinguished in turn in courtyards of

(until the sixties) and

(those that belong to a new dwelling built after the demolition of a previous one or that have suffered such a level of intervention that they have lost their most significant elements).

The consistory makes available to the visitor

with information on where each patio is with images and the route to which each one belongs (it can be downloaded here).

Although they have their maximum splendor during the Festival, these beautiful spaces can be visited throughout the year (and without crowds).

To do this, the City Council proposes a series of guided tours through a selection of the most popular and winners of various awards (more information here).

If you prefer to do it on your own, there are also several patios that are usually open permanently and with free access outside the contest season.

You can see them here:

Where to eat

Cordovan salmorejo, white almond gazpacho or anchovies in vinegar are typical dishes that should not be overlooked in Córdoba.

The Jewish quarter, next to the Mosque, houses hundreds of inns and taverns ideal for tasting local and traditional cuisine.

Divided into several floors,

(Romero, 1. Tel.: 957 20 07 44) occupies a classic Andalusian building with a patio and terrace.

Its specialties are salmorejo, flamenquines and roast lamb, beef and pork.

Nearby is

(Plaza Campo Santo de los Mártires, 1. Tel.: 957 47 43 42), a palace from the s.

XVI with patio with stained glass windows, which serves traditional Cordovan cuisine with modern touches.

is located in a large Mudejar house with a Cordovan patio .

(Romero, 16. Tel.: 957 29 08 19), specialized in grilled meats.

Where to sleep

In the heart of the Jewish quarter, in the historic center of Córdoba, opposite the Mosque, is the

(Magistral González Francés, 15; Telephone: 957 48 11 02), a classic hotel with a beautiful traditional Andalusian patio.

: 240 euros.

Reservations here.

The

(Av. de Cádiz, 78, Telephone: 957 29 83 11) is located on the other side of the Guadalquivir River, about a 20-minute walk from the Mosque-Cathedral, in a place surrounded by gardens.

It has an outdoor pool.

: 179 euros.

Reservations here.

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