11 Photos That Prove Crdoba's Patios Are The Most Beautiful In Spain

Every May, the Andalusian city of Córdoba holds its Feria de los Patios event, which showcases the flower-filled courtyards of its oldest houses. Around 50 of these gorgeous spaces are open to the public, for free, for the entire month, and prizes are given to owners of the prettiest patios at the end of May. As the following photos show, Córdoba’s patios are without doubt the most beautiful in Spain.

In some of the courtyards, all the flower pots are the same colour (most often blue); when contrasted with the whitewashed walls of Córdoba‘s oldest houses, the effect is striking.

A blue-and-white patio in Córdoba during the Feria de los Patios

All aspects of the houses contribute to the overall aesthetic effect during the event, with drainpipes and window frames painted the same colour as the flower pots.

Owners are present to answers questions during the patios feria

Here, the traditional blue-and-white colour scheme has been eschewed in favour of bold reds, pinks and purples. Again, the houses’ whitewashed walls provide the perfect canvas on which to paint with flowers.

The owner of this patio clearly likes bold reds, pinks and purples

Covered to protect visitors from the strong Andalusian sun, many of the patios look like magical little grottoes straight out of a fairy tale.

Many patios look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale

Every square inch of outside space is used during the Feria de los Patios, often giving the impression that the walls are made of flowers. Cutting through them, here are steps leading up to a romantic first-floor balcony.

Every spare inch of wall space is used during the patios feria

Córdoba‘s patios look particularly beautiful as the sun goes down, when subtle lighting enhances their beauty and romance.

As well as the courtyards of private houses, the 15th-century Palacio de Viana can also be visited during Córdoba’s patios event (as well during the rest of the year). For an admission price of €5 (USD$5.80), you can wander around the thirteen patios of this opulent building, which has been home to many Spanish aristocrats over the centuries.

In May, the palace’s gardens – many of which have ponds and fountains at their centre – overflow with trees, plants and flowers in full bloom.

Another of the Palacio de Viana’s colourful courtyards

This tranquil fountain is found at the heart of the Palacio de Viana’s maze-like gardens.

Many of the palace’s patios have fountains at their centre

Lush creepers tumble down the whitewashed walls of the Viana palace, giving its internal courtyards a deeply sensuous and romantic feel. You’ll certainly never forget a visit here, nor to any of the other gorgeous spaces you’ll see during the Feria de los Patios in Córdoba.

A romantic courtyard in the Palacio de Viana

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