Palacio de Viana

As in the garden, the Courtyard of the Pool was part of the houses property of the counts of Torres Cabrera, acquired by Diego Rafael Cabrera y Fernández de Mesa, seventh marquis of Villaseca and count of Villanueva de Cárdenas.

Initially, this space was annexed to the Courtyard of the Well and was part of the Country House, the place where all the family’s rural properties were managed.

The area was known as the Courtyard of the Deer at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, since it was there where many stuffed heads of deer were kept as hunting trophies obtained by the marquis.

As it is well known, José Saavedra y Salamanca, second marquis of Viana, was King Alfonso XIII’s close friend, who went on several occasions to Moratalla country house (in Hornachuelos) to hunt.

The Courtyard of the Pool is also known as Courtyard of the Greenhouse; it is named after both elements. A short row of cypresses divides it in two parts, the one leading to the garden, and the one with the pool and the greenhouse, whose orientation is ideal for plants during the winter season.

But the pool was not always there, since it was originally located in the mentioned Courtyard of the Well. When Viana Palace was open to the public in the 1980s, the pool was taken to its current location, since it previously made it difficult for visitors to walk comfortably.

The pool gets water from the well and, once full, acts as a watering system for gardens and courtyards. It is decorated with numerous pots with different flowers, depending on the time of year, such as chrysanthemums, busy Lizzies, etc.

The greenhouse was built in the 60swith the aim of growing plants of hybrid cineraria, which needs great care, but it specially protects from the cold in winter. Nowadays, this plant is still being grown as well as other species.

On the fences separating the courtyard from the garden, we can see miniature roses and lemon trees, flanked by cypresses. The hedges in this case are not box ones, as in many other courtyards, but spindle.

If you are wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit Viana Palace hiring one of our guided tours. We will dedicate there a special chapter to the Courtyard of the Pool. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.