If you’ve never been to the very popular Cordoba Patio Festival in Andalusia why not visit this year? The event takes place every May with fifty or so patios competing for the title of best courtyard. As you can see, each one is prettier than the next – this is one of our favourite Spring festivals 
We adore the patio or courtyard festival because it’s an opportunity to explore some of the city’s most unusual and generally private spaces. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with the residents and experience the architecture, history and traditions. You really feel like you are in the inner sanctum of the city and can practically feel its pulse. And did we forget to mention the beautiful floral displays?
Almost a Century in the Making
The festival celebrates the best floral displays in Cordoba’s shared outdoor living spaces. It dates back to 1918 and always attracts huge interest. Since it was UNESCO-listed in December 2012 – it has become more popular than ever. We’re delighted that the festival has been listed because it protects the life and lifestyle of the patios, while, at the same time, highlighting them to the rest of the world. You can see a short video made by UNESCO here:
When, When & Where?
The patios are usually open open daily from 11am-2pm and 6pm-10pm. If possible, visit on weekdays rather than weekends. And the evenings are less busy than the mornings.
It’s not all about preserving old traditions – while some courtyards compete in the traditional architecture section, others opt for the modern architecture category.
It takes 365 days a year to prepare the patios for their fortnight in the limelight. Photo credit: Landahlauts via photopin cc
The judging takes places during the 14 days of the festival. Patios are being judged for their artistic and ornamental flair with the quality and variety of flowers, flowerpots and architectural elements taken into account. Both the modern and the traditional themed patios must be sensitive to their surroundings.
What’s So Special About Cordoba?
Cordoba is one of our favourite Spanish cities but it’s hard to find the words to describe why. It’s not just its history and its architecture that makes it so interesting. It’s the blend of cultures and traditions that are perhaps best reflected in the Mosque or Mezquita. But it’s not restricted to the historic buildings. This sense of shared culture ripples all over the city. You see it in the food. In the music. On the faces of the people.
The courtyards can get busy during the evenings and especially at the weekend. Photo credit: michalska1 via photopin cc
Must-sees in Cordoba
If you’re travelling to Cordoba, we recommend the Mezquita, The Palace of Viana (which boasts its own 12 patios) and the Synagogue which celebrated 700 years in 2014. If you’ve got time for a fourth, the Horse Shows at the Royal Stables in Cordoba are pretty impressive too. In fact, one of the main side attractions for the Patio Festival are the many equestrian shows taking place in the Plaza de Toros in Cordoba.
Need More Convincing?
Have a read of our previous post on the festival: About the Unmissable Courtyard Patio Festival, Cordoba with a video that focuses on the flowers plus a detailed look around the stunning Palace of Viana.
Planning a trip?
Let us help make the trip a reality. We can organise your accommodation, book your patio tickets, arrange a guide to take you around the courtyards, reserve tables at restaurants where you can try the best salmorejo and other local dishes, and get tickets to the amazing equestrian show. Add to that, tickets and a guide for the Mezquita. And what about a cooking class, visit to a local food market and a trip to a nearby artisan food producer? And you have to try the Arab Hammam thermal baths. Great for tired legs after a day on the cobbles. See our 3-night Cordoba Patios Festival package for ideas. Can’t travel in May? Don’t despair, a selection of patios do open all year round. During the Christmas period, you’ll find quite a few open. Get in touch and we can put together a Cordoba package just for you.