In the section where we explained the owners of the house, we already mentioned the important reforms carried out by the marchioness, Ana Rafaela Fernández de Mesa, in the 18th century. These reforms were focused on remodelling the Courtyard of the Madama and the creation of the historical archive of Viana Palace, located in this courtyard.

A note found in the archive reads: “On the 29th August 1975 the archive of my lady’s house, marchioness of Villaseca, was started. Pedro del Río earns 6 reales de vellón (old Spanish coin) every day and he is paid every week“.

The volumes of the archive of Viana Palace were declared Documental and Bibliographic Treasure of the Nation in 1980, shortly before being acquired by the bank Cajasur. In spite of that, the archive was outside the sale, and nobody could access it for research and classification purposes for years. It was in the year 2000 when this bank finally acquired it, and a new period started in the palace, as there were many gaps this archive will fill. It has more than 300,000 documents dated between the 12th and 20th centuries, a treasure still to be explored.

It is undoubtedly the courtyard located in the most internal part of the palace, as well as one the most restrained in the complex. Its decoration corresponds to that of the 18th century, although it constitutes the only example with Baroque of plaques. The Baroque of plaques is a very common style in Córdoba in the middle of the 18th century, with clear preserved examples, such as the façades of the Church of San Hipólito or San Pedro de Alcántara.

The doors of the Courtyard of the Archive are flanked by carved pilasters with false capitals at the top, extended towards the balconies and cornices. Beautifully made plaques frame these balconies, creating a balanced complexion its higher part.

Its white walls contrast with the intense green of the centenary mandarine trees located in the angles, surrounded by triangles of box and violet. In the centre, a beautiful fountain with a twelve-sided pillar covered in tiles from Seville provides the complex with great personality and elegance.

If you are wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a good option would be Viana Palace, choosing one of our guided tours. This way you will learn everything about the Courtyard of the Archive. Choosing to do high quality sightseeing is choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.