C/ Céspedes, 10.
The Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral is a fortunate witness to the unique beauty of the Courtyard at Calle Céspedes, 10, or vice versa, depending on how you look at it.
Family history of the courtyard
We are welcomed by Rosario Torrealba, the eldest of five siblings. She tells us that her father, Ildefonso, was orphaned during the Spanish Civil War and therefore came to live in this house with his uncle, who was in the military. Her father would never leave it; his five children were born here.
Vegetation and style of the courtyard
Guadalupe, Rosario’s mother, always liked green courtyards with many plants and few flowers, although she made an exception for gitanillas and geraniums. There was a time when the flowerpots were painted red and yellow, like the Spanish flag; nowadays, they are green, accentuating the vegetation’s tone. Currently, more than 200 pots showcase over 80 different floral species, including jasmine, diamelas, geraniums, night-blooming jasmine, ferns, spider plants, bougainvillea, hydrangeas, begonias, night-blooming jasmine, spider plants…
The unique value of the basement
What truly makes this courtyard unique is its basement, which, as Rosario tells us, spent many years filled with rubble, like a storage room. Her brother Ildefonso has been in charge of clearing it out, discovering an Arab-era washbasin, a well, a cistern, a kitchen, and a water trough. A true marvel.
Awards
Rosario tells us that after her father fell ill in 1971, the courtyard was not entered into competition again until 2010, receiving a special mention in 2011.
The family wine cellar
We cannot say goodbye to this warm and hospitable family without mentioning the wine cellar that Ildefonso, Rosario’s younger brother, has set up at the entrance of the house, where he displays and sells many of the country’s finest wines.
What to visit in Córdoba
If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be the Courtyards of Córdoba, choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you’ll learn everything about the Courtyard at Calle Céspedes, 10. Choosing to do quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.
Text: J.A.S.C.
The Patio de la Calle Céspedes, 10 is unique for its beauty and family history, highlighting especially the lush vegetation and the uniqueness of its basement, where elements of great historical value have been found such as a washing trough of Arab origin, a well, a cistern, a kitchen, and a pool.
In the patio, there are more than 200 pots with over 80 floral species, including jasmines, geraniums, bougainvilleas, hydrangeas, begonias, and night queens, which provide a green and blooming atmosphere to the space.
In the basement of the Patio de la Calle Céspedes, 10, a washing trough of Arab origin, a well, a cistern, a kitchen, and a pool were discovered, elements that bear witness to the history and life in Córdoba from past times.
The patio was home to the Torrealba family, whose patriarch, Ildefonso, moved there with his uncle after becoming orphaned during the Civil War. The patio has been an essential part of the family history, being the birthplace of their five children.
The Patio de la Calle Céspedes, 10 was awarded a special mention in 2011, after having been presented for competition again in 2010, after several years without participation due to the illness of the family’s father.
Table of contents
Popular visits
Guided Tour Mosque of Cordoba
- 1,5 hours approx.
From: €16
Guided Tour to Medina Azahara
- 3 hours approx.
From: €23
Guided Tour to the Alcazar of Cordoba
- 1 hours approx.
From: €19
