C/ Don Rodrigo, 7.

Little by little, we make our way to the Santiago neighborhood, where María Fernández Pino awaits us, owner of the Patio at Calle Don Rodrigo, 7.

Historical Origin of the House

To understand the origins of the house, we have to go back to the 17th century. “It was part of a bishop’s residence, next to the current parking lot of Restaurante Bodegas Campos,” says María. Over time, the house became a communal residence and, by the end of the 20th century, we know it belonged to a silversmith, from whom our hostess bought the house. Incidentally, she was once the president of the Association of Businesswomen of Córdoba.

A Patio Full of Life

María puts a lot of effort into bringing life to the patio, frequently inviting friends and organizing “peroles” and all kinds of events. She recalls one of those magical moments experienced here, during her birthday celebration in September 2007. Arturo Pareja Obregón, a well-known musician from Seville, sat down at the piano and gifted María and her guests a magnificent concert in the patio; she, sitting alone on the flowerbed near the lemon tree, listened in her own intimacy to the beautiful notes of the artist and friend. A beautiful scene, an even better memory.

“I fulfilled a dream I had since childhood by being able to acquire this house,” María confesses. Our hostess was raised among patios, like the one at her grandparents’ house, for example. She wanted to surround herself again with everything she had felt in her childhood—colors, fragrances, experiences…

Architecture and Elements of the Patio

We pass through an iron gate that leads us into the dark entrance hallway. From the outside, you can already see the patio, which we access through a large lowered semicircular arch. Once inside, we find a medium-sized, rectangular patio. In the center stands a lemon tree, a custom brought by the Arabs to Andalusia—the planting of fruit trees inside patios.

The walls are filled with flowerpots arranged with care and good taste, although María admits she wants to bring back the white flowers, contrasting with the indigo pots, as the sole color in the patio. “White is a sign of welcome,” she adds.

The Traditional Kitchen

To the right stands a wonderful kitchen, restored—yes—but “respecting what was there.” “The kitchen is spectacular, without cabinets, made of masonry, with white marble counters.” No detail is missing, filled with numerous antique utensils. One highlight is an old bottle of the well-known Pijuán soda.

Guided Tours of the Patios of Córdoba

If you’d like to discover the Patios of Córdoba, don’t hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We will dedicate special attention to the Patio at Calle Don Rodrigo, 7. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you’ve chosen to enjoy tourism in Córdoba, choose a quality option—choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.