The people of Córdoba are convinced that the soul of the city lives in the traditional patios. Every year, in May, their owners open the privacy of their homes to show these architectural jewels, some secular. It is the most beloved party in an entire month full of calls. Until May 12 you can visit for freewithin the municipal contest, called Fair of the patios, with a century of life and which is UNESCO intangible world heritage.
Although you can visit only eleven days, the owners take care of their patios all year round and are true experts in plants and flowers. Each enclosure is totally unique, different from the others both in structure and in the type of vegetation. It varies every year with surprises brought by its caregivers. Not only is it an explosion of color and perfume, these places are built year after year with trees and memories that their owners tell.
Aromatic plants are also characteristic of this festival. RAUL RAMÍREZ
Along with the well-known gypsy, bougainvillea or geranium There are other less famous plants such as the flower of shrimp, the medinillas or the queen’s earrings. It is also common to find pots of aromatic plants that provide their perfume.
The festival wants to reach one million visits this year. EFE
It is common for visitors to talk to the owners or caretakers about the yard. Carmen Ibáñez, from 14 San Basilio Street, explains that what she is asked most is how to water. As in many other patios, the pots are at different heights and some very high and difficult to access. He explains that they show them the art of watering with a can tied to long canes. “No one takes the three hours a day away from us,” says the owner, “and it has to be done carefully and slowly so that the dirt doesn’t drip and stain the wall.” And, the hotter the heat, the more watering.
In Córdoba Judaism, Catholicism and Islam coexisted RAUL RAMÍREZ
In many houses there are remains of Córdoba’s rich historical past. Meritxell Valle, from the Patio de la Costurera, in the San Basilio neighborhood, tells us that her mother’s house dates back to the late 14th century and Jews lived there, since there is a remains of the traditional stone at the entrance door. mezuzah. “In addition, there is the well,” he explains, “which is older than the neighborhood because it is between nine hundred and a thousand years old.”
Three cultures coexisted in Córdoba: Christian, Jewish and Arab. EFE
Despite the great work to maintain these enclosures and the generosity of opening the doors of their homes to tens of thousands of people (this year the number of visitors could reach one million) all of them affirm that they would not live anywhere else. “It gives me a lot of peace of mind,” explains Araceli Valle de Martín, from Roa, 2, “it’s very different.”
“You wake up and hear the birds; and taking care of the plants relaxes me a lot,” he adds.
Most of the owners say they would not live anywhere else. EUROPA PRESS/ ROCÍO RUZ
History of the contest and the patios
In some old patios there are memories of when various neighboring families lived there, who slept in rented rooms and shared a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom, as well as sorrows and joys. In fact, the tradition of the municipal contest comes from the desire of these humble families to show once a year what prettier than they had and cared for.
The patios of Córdoba arose from the need to adapt to the dry and hot climate, using plants to provide coolness. RAUL RAMÍREZ
On the other hand, the patio is heir to the adaptation from Roman housing, and later Muslim, to dry and hot climate of Córdoba. A central outdoor area in the house with a fountain or well and filled with plants that generate freshness. Everything is complemented with a stone floor“Chinese”, which when watered generates a microclimate with a temperature lower than that of the city environment.
This year you can visit a total of 63 venues. ROCÍO RUZ / EUROPA PRESS
Permission to take photos
Among the new features this year is the one that some patios You have to ask permission to take photos or selfies. This is because, by being distracted, some visitors damage the plants. Sometimes people wearing backpacks are also called out for the same reason.
The Patios de Córdoba festival begins until May 12 EFE
As a tip, although a lot of tourism is concentrated in the courtyards near the cathedral mosque, especially the San Basilio neighborhood, we must remember that there are six routes through different areas. So with a walk through the alleys of Córdoba you can find less congested areas. Visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.. This year, 52 patios are in the competition, although another dozen institutional venues are also accessible.
You can enjoy the patios and their curiosities until May 12. RAUL RAMÍREZ
Each one has a small outside plate with a QR code, which allows you to see photographs and a 360º video of its interior. This is combined with information and curiosities so you can savor the experience as many times as you want.
