Córdoba, Spain
Coordinates: 37.888645, -4.774053
The Viana Palace (it was only called a palace by marketing experts, after it was nationalised 40 years ago) is a 15th century spread of a dozen intimate couryards built in Andalusian’s architectural styles.
It has 12 interconnected patios, gardens, a library of more than 7,000 books and collections of tapestries, paintings, silverware, clocks, weapons, furniture and porcelains.
Along the centuries, “Palacio de Viana” has endured many restorations and even some structures, remaining from the Roman period in Andalusia, where found during works.
The original estate was founded four months before Columbus set foot in America in 1492.
Know this
Go in the morning if possible when it’s not hot. Around 30m walk from the grand mosque.
Check carefully, before going, its opening hours and prices, as there are different fares for visiting the patios and the palace itself.
The palace is good but the guided tour for the museum just happens in Spanish . It’s good for nothing if you don’t speak Spanish. The organizers can make it a lot better.
This is a wheelchair-friendly slice of Córdoba’s history. Closed Mondays. In July and August, open from 9 am, and from 10 am on other dates.
In July and August, and on Sundays and public holiddays, closes at 3pm, and closes at 7 pm on other dates. It is a 20-minute walk from the railway station.
