After breakfast we headed to the Palacio de Viana, an historic 14th-century noble residence now museum, famous for its 12 distinct historic courtyards (patios) and large garden. I didn’t realise until this week that “patio” is a Spanish word that translates to “courtyard”.
After the Palacio we headed back to the centre of the Old Town to take a walk along the river, this time heading further west.
This evening it was back to the Mezquita – Cathedral for a guided tour with lights, sounds and commentary, a production called “The Soul of Cordoba”… it was very good.
I love looking at all the offerings at the bakeries. At breakfast this morning were these hamburger-sized, custard filled, chocolate topped, pastry balls??… they’re in half and stored with a cellophane cover.Palacio de Viana
The origins of the Spanish patio date back to ancient Roman and Islamic architectural traditions, evolving as a direct response to the grueling summer heat, with extreme heat peaks frequently climbing to 45°C (113°F) or higher.
Reception PatioMap of the Palacio“Madrileños” Dining RoomPatio of the CatsThe large, historic earthenware tinaja or well-head integrated into an arched interior passageway Patio of the Oranges through the windowPatio of the OrangesThe Porcelain RoomThe Mosaic RoomThe Patio of BarsThrough the Bars from outside (later)Central feature of the Patio of the Madama – the cypress plant that frames the nymph in its central fountain.Patio of the ColumnsThe Garden400 year-old White OakGrotesque pergolaPatio of the PoolPatio of the WellPatio of the Gardeners Gardeners’ fountain through the doorwayPatio of the ChapelThe ChapelPatio of the ArchiveNext up – a visit to St Augustine’s Church (Iglesia de Sant Augustin)Inside Puffer fish and piranha in a sporting goods shop windowNext stop, the Church of San Pablo (Iglesia de San Pablo) InsideThe Roman Temple of Córdoba (Templo Romano de Córdoba)Inside Taberna Salidas, founded in 1924 (not open for tapas do we didn’t stay)Next, Church of Saint Francis and Saint Eulogio (Iglesia de San Francisco y San Eulogio)InsideThe altarDown as we crossed over to the river, a counter on the bike path… 288 bikes today, 262,556 so far this year. We watched as it clicked over as bikes passed.Looking from the Miraflores Bridge to the Roman Bridge As we passed the Roman Bridge, looking across to the Mosque-Cathedral The Molino de San Antonio, an historic medieval watermill located on the Guadalquivir RiverAcross the Puente de San Rafael (San Rafael Bridge) back to the north side Looking east to the Roman Bridge and Mosque-CathedralThe Triunfo de San Rafael del Puente de San Rafael, a monument featuring the archangel Saint Raphael (the guardian angel of Córdoba)One of the gates of the ancient wall of the cityBaby Pelones, fundraising version of the large ones we saw around AlicanteInto El Picoteo del Gallo for some tapas on the way back to the Mosque-Cathedral. Served by a waiter who made Basil Fawlty seem congenial But the food was tasty… homemade wine sausages, mushrooms with jamon…… and meat in Pedro Ximénez sauce (looks awful, tastes sublime)Buskers outside the Mosque-Cathedral Drawing quite the crowdInto the show… photography was very restrictedPhotos taken “free time” after the show
