The Kitchens of the Viana Palace

The austerity of the Room Portuguese hinted at a different type of space, not as luxurious as the previous ones. Indeed, the rooms we are about to visit were intended for the service of the palace, specifically the kitchen, since the Dining Room, used daily by the marquises, was located nearby.

Rustic Kitchen

The first we come across is the so-called Rustic Kitchen, which features a rustic Andalusian folk style. It is entirely covered by a barrel vault. On the right, we find a large fireplace, which holds a collection of eighteen English ceramic jugs with metallic luster. Two Alpujarran rugs of Mudejar tradition, with geometric decorative elements, cover the smooth brick floor.

The kitchen, with charcoal stoves, houses a large Sevillian ceramic basin, plates, serving dishes, jugs, and various utensils of singular beauty.

Typical Andalusian Kitchen

This was the favorite place of Fausto Saavedra y Collado, third and last Marquis of Viana, to host his gatherings—a curious fact. If we move a little further, we come upon a second kitchen, a typical Andalusian one, frequently used to prepare appetizers and breakfasts for the marquises.

With white walls and sober decoration, it stands out for a myriad of utensils we almost believed forgotten, such as a magnificent fifty-seven-piece copper cookware set or a collection of over fifty pieces of folk ceramics that immediately catch the eye upon entering the room. Time seems to stand still for them.

As a curious note, the list of different dishes that could be prepared for the marquises’ menu has been preserved.

Tray Room

Next to the kitchen we find a small room, the Tray Room, which, as its name suggests, is a small hall where numerous trays hang, covering almost the entirety of its white walls.

A total of 36 pieces make up the collection, all gathered by José de Saavedra, second Marquis of Viana. They are made of various materials, some of them in wood, painted, lacquered, even adorned with small mother-of-pearl inlays.

Visit the Viana Palace

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a good option would be the Viana Palace, by choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you can learn everything about the different kitchens. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.