4, Trueque Street.

Located at the back of the Fernandine Church of San Lorenzo, and popularly known as “Carmela’s courtyard“, it is one of those courtyards where time does not seem to have passed.

The floor is made with the typical pebbles from Córdoba, although old clay tiles have been placed in some areas. Personally, I would like to add that it is one of those courtyards that has best preserved that taste of old houses, not only for its arrangement and architecture in general, but also for its nickname or the name of the street itself (trueque: barter).

In the middle of the Courtyard on 4, Trueque Street there is a beautiful Arab well, with a whitewashed parapet and gable roof, which is still in use, as we can see the old pulley from which the thick rope hangs tied to the bucket on one end. This well, as well as the rest of the courtyard, is completely decorated with intense blue flower pots, which contrast with the whiteness of the walls and the colours of the plants.

A collection of “mini-pots” catches our attention, with the same colour as the rest, in one corner of the courtyard, and we quickly recall the Courtyard on 9, Tinte Street and its owner, Ana. We can also see the very old wooden doors and windows, but they are very well looked after and provide the complex with a special charm.

In other corner of the Courtyard on 4, Trueque Street we can see a curve stairway, leading to the second floor of the house, which is covered by a small roof supported by two thin whitewashed columns. This stairway is also completely decorated with plants, and, besides, on the higher part, we can see a small collection of nice artistic pottery plates.

There are beds around the whole place, full of plants, where there are also fruit trees, such as lemon trees. We can also see ferns, geraniums, jasmines, mock oranes, begonias.

This courtyard is one of the four most awarded between 1960 and 2009, it has taken part on 45 occasions in the contest, and it was awarded the first prize in 1974, 1978, 1982, 1987, 1992, 2004 and 2008, and it was second on six more occasions.

We will finish by saying that this building has been recently bought by the City Council, and it seems its aim is to hold here the Museum of Houses-Courtyards, a further step to finally consolidate the festival.

If you are wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit the Courtyards in Córdoba hiring one of our guided tours. We will dedicate there a special chapter to the Courtyard on 4, Trueque Street. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.