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WHERE: Cordoba, Spain
WHEN: from 05th to 18th May 2025
Courtyards (or more correctly Patios) have a fundamental role in the culture and tradition of Cordoba.
Of Islamic origin, the patios represented a sort of “business card” for guests who entered the house. A real living room at home.
For this reason they were embellished with extreme care by the owners, using bougainvillea and the most colorful and fragrant flowers.
The period in which these “outdoor living rooms” offer their best is naturally spring in a riot of colors and scents.
A moment that finds its maximum expression in the Patios Festival of Cordoba (Courtyard Festival), an event so important that it even obtained recognition as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The event takes place in May, for almost two weeks. A period during which you can admire the patios fully flowered and in all their splendor.
A festival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and which has rightfully earned acclaim and flattering reviews throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
PRACTICAL INFO
PARTY PLACES
The historic center is the nerve center of the Cordoba Courtyard Festival. The most famous and well-known patios of the city are concentrated here.
Not far from the Alcazar, the San Basilio neighborhood, right in the center, offers some of the most beautiful and scenic patios in all of Cordoba. Naturally it is also the most visited and therefore you will have to make room in a crowd of people.
Just over 10 minutes walk from the Palacio de Viana, in the San Lorenzo district, you can admire equally beautiful courtyards. The patios de Trueque are especially noteworthy. The latter, among other things, can be visited from March to October.
PATIOS FESTIVAL OF CORDOBA PROGRAM 2025
Throughout the Patios Festival of Cordoba period, all of Cordoba is beautifully decorated. There is competition (literally) to show off the most beautiful patio.
There is a competition to reward the most beautiful patios, divided into categories (for example, there is the beginners’ one).
Tradition dictates that in addition to the courtyards, the railings and windows are also decorated, with relative prizes for the best and most beautiful.
Among the many initiatives, Friday 06 and Saturday 07 May, do not miss the Flamenco Festival which has reached its 29th edition this year. Meet at the Torre Calahorra for a truly suggestive show!
Alongside the patios in competition, there are those “out of competition” that are not in competition. These are courtyards of centers, archives and Palaces. Among these, the “Casa Araba” and the beautiful Patio de la Cancela of the Palacio de Viana.
THE PATHS
The patios can be admired following the official paths. They are generally divided into 6 different areas as follows:
- RUTA 1: REGINA- EL REALEJO
- RUTA 2: STA. MARINA- S. AGUSTÍN
- RUTA 3: SAN LORENZO
- RUTA 4: SANTIAGO- SAN LORENZO
- RUTA 5: JUDERÍA- SAN FRANCISCO
- RUTA 6: ALCAZAR VIEJO
TIMETABLES AND TICKETS
The Patios can generally be visited for the entire duration of the festival, from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00. The patios out of competition observe specific hours (consult the individual structure).
To attend the Festival of the Courtyards of Cordoba and visit the various residences there is no ticket (unless otherwise specified).
Since these are privately managed structures, an offering of your choice is always welcome.
*all information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. All names and trademarks herein belong to their respective owners.