Calleja de las Flores (Alley of the Flowers)

A few metres from the Mosque-Cathedral, on the street dedicated to distinguished archaeologist Ricardo Velásquez Bosco, who restored some of the façades of the main temple in our city, among other merits, we find a small and deteriorated capital with Arabesques built in a corner; it marks the beginning of the Alley of the Flowers.

The Alley of the Flowers has become with time a symbol of our city, a typical sight tourists want to photograph. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights, among many others, that our city can offer. The Belfry tower by Hernán Ruiz is trapped between the roofs of the white houses of the historical centre of the city, a captivating sight, enriched by countless flower pots which fill the already unique scene with freshness and colour.

The old houses on the Alley of the Flowers have been gradually substituted by souvenir shops and other business based on tourism, which has partly damaged its original image. Still, it maintains enough beauty as to be part of this section, as a place of interest for those willing to visit Córdoba.

At the end of the alley there is a small square which is in fact a neighbours’ courtyard, where we can highlight the famous house number 2, perfectly decorated with dozens of flower pots, and through which time does not seem to have passed. The square is decorated with a beautiful fountain which was allegedly made by Rafael Bernier, former resident of the square. With an octagonal shape, it has an exceptional basin, ideal for those looking for a quiet place to sit, rest and enjoy a great view. In the centre, over a small octagonal pedestal, there is a plain granite column supporting an old and deteriorated Corinthian capital, from Roman times, according to scholars, more specifically from Emperor Adriano’s times.

The alley and square have been there for many years, but their current state is due to a reform carried out by local architect Víctor Escribano Ucelay in the middle of the last century, while Alfonso Cruz Conde was Mayor of the city. Escribano Ucelay substituted the previous pavement by the typical stones from Córdoba, consisting of river stones, and he put granite plaques next to the walls simulating small sidewalks. Besides, he built a couple of small round and diminished arches, enriching the view, and he whitewashed the walls of the houses in order to create a greater contrast with the green of the flower pots.

I wonder if many of you know what it is like to spend the first hours of a May day in Córdoba, when the flowers fill the city with life, especially in this location. Not a soul on the streets of the busy old centre, where silence takes over the Alley of the Flowers, a silence which is only broken by the early birds singing, which mixes with the continuous flowing of the water in the fountain and the ringing of the bells from the Tower of the Cathedral summoning the faithful to prayer. Now you know what to do…

If you are wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit the Alley of the Flowers hiring one of our guided tours. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.