C/ San Basilio, 22.

“Through this courtyard have passed such a diverse array of figures as Carmen Sevilla, the Dúo Sacapuntas, Curro Romero and his wife Carmen Tello, the Duchess of Alba, and Their Majesties Queen Doña Sofía herself,” recounts Ana de Austria, the kind and cordial owner of the Courtyard at Calle San Basilio, 22 in the popular Alcázar Viejo neighborhood. She has stories about all of them, but she fondly highlights the one involving Carmen Sevilla, who, in a moment of spontaneity, decided to water the courtyard’s flowerpots with a hose… and, of course, ended up soaked and had to change clothes.

History and Renovations

Ana arrived at this house with her late husband, Francisco Leyva, in 1961. At that time, nine families lived there, and naturally, they had to share many common areas, such as the wash basin: “If you arrived late, you didn’t get to wash…” she tells us.

In 1990, the house underwent a major renovation, dividing it into three homes. The family then made a great effort to preserve certain aspects of the house, such as the traditional Córdoba-style pebble mosaic, to which they added the two family coats of arms, those of the Leyvas and the Austrias. Ana tells us she is a descendant of the Royal House of Leopold of Austria.

Notable Elements of the Courtyard

The first thing that stands out upon entering the courtyard is the old wrought-iron gate, dated 1898, which leads us to an entrance portico formed by arches on pillars. Inside, to the right, there is a staircase that gives access to the rooms on the first floor.

One of the standout features of the courtyard is the well, of Arab tradition, which, according to Ana de Austria, “draws from the very same water that feeds the fountain of the Patio de los Naranjos” at the Mosque–Cathedral. And above all, the multitude of green flowerpots, the colors of Andalusia, green and white.

Awards and Recognitions

Many awards have been received since the courtyard was first entered into competition in 1977, most of them due to the great variety of floral species: cacti, gitanillas, geraniums, lilies, begonias, monstera, mock oranges, irises… “In spring, the courtyard looks like a many-colored Manila shawl,” she concludes.

Guided Tours

If you wish to explore the Córdoba Courtyards, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We will pay special attention to the Courtyard at Calle San Basilio, 22. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you’ve chosen to do tourism in Córdoba, choose a quality option—choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.