Must-Visit Gardens In Crdoba Spain

Gardens, patios and courtyards are part of Córdoba’s Unesco-protected cultural heritage. There are dozens of these colourful, carefully maintained spaces throughout the southern Spanish city, especially during May when houses in the oldest neighbourhoods open their courtyards to the public as part of the captivating Fiesta de los Patios. Read on for Culture Trip’s choice of the most beautiful gardens in Córdoba, Andalusia.

1. Palacio de Viana

Building

Viana Palace at the courtyard gardens in Cordoba, Spain.

The 15th-century Palacio de Viana is home to some of the most attractive public gardens in Córdoba. Each of its 12 courtyards overflows with colourful plants, flowers and trees, between which you can glimpse opulent interiors through the palace’s windows. The Courtyard of the Cats, surrounded by typical Andalusian houses dating from the 15th century, is said to be the oldest communal courtyard in Córdoba. Meanwhile, the Alhambra-esque Courtyard of the Columns is the palace’s most recent addition, built in the 1980s, and is the setting for cultural events throughout the year. Entry to the palace and all 12 courtyards costs €10 (£9).

2. Fiesta de los Patios

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

May is, without doubt, the best time of year to visit Córdoba. For about 12 days, around 50 houses in the city’s oldest quarters open up their flower-filled courtyards to the public as part of the hundred-year-old, Unesco-protected Fiesta de los Patios. At the end of the festival, the owners of the prettiest patios receive a prize. All of the courtyards (except those in the Palacio de Viana) are free to enter, and the vast majority belong to private houses. Notable courtyards in public buildings include those at the local university’s law department and the grand Círculo de la Amistad social club.

3. Jardines de la Victoria

Park

The western limit of Córdoba’s old town is marked by the Jardines de la Victoria (Victoria Gardens), a shaded promenade of palm trees and fountains named after a convent that occupied this site until the 19th century. There’s also a bandstand where live music is frequently performed, especially during summer. The gardens are a popular spot in the early evening when cordobeses take advantage of the cooler temperatures to stroll, see and be seen and catch up with neighbours (a daily ritual that’s called a paseo in Spanish). At the gardens’ centre is the Mercado Victoria – a covered market of fusion takeaway stalls and modern tapas bars.

5. Gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Bridge, Park

Gardens of the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain, Europe

Much like the Palacio de Viana, Córdoba’s Castle of the Christian Kings has been extensively modified and added to over the centuries. The original palace was commissioned by King Alfonso XI of Castile in 1328 and built on the site of a Moorish fortress, which would have been surrounded by vegetable gardens irrigated with water from the Guadalquivir. The terraced gardens that extend from the castle walls today date mainly from the mid-19th century. With three levels, they provide a tranquil haven of cypress, palm, orange and lemon trees, colourful flower beds and large ponds and fountains.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.