Palace of the Marquises of Viana

The Palacio of the Marquises of Viana is located in the heart of the popular neighborhood of Santa Marina, as it was already called in the 13th century, when Fernando III the Saint commissioned to build the church after which this very old parish in Córdoba is named.

The original house, which dates back to the 14th century, has experienced numerous alterations up to our days, of which we can highlight the extension in the 17th century, which gave it its current appearance to a great extent. Already in the 20th century, between 1953 and 1963, the building was readapted for its new function under the supervision of architect Carlos Sáenz.

Viana Palace covers a surface of more than 6,500 square metres, of which almost 4,000 of them correspond to courtyards, gardens and open spaces. The floor is an irregular polygon, as a result of the constant attachment of houses which have extended the original construction. Hence, it does not have a sumptuous façade to reflect the nobility of its inhabitants, only the entrance in an angle in the Don Gome Square is a true reflection of the high position of the Marquises of Viana.

We do not know for sure who the author of such entrance is, usually attributed to Juan de Ochoa, although some have seen certain influence from Francisco del Castillo in the design, or traces of Hernán Ruiz II the Young himself. It has a first lintelled section, with panels, over which we can see a cornice divided by the balcony of the second section, which is framed by two big mythological sculptures attached to the façade. The ensemble is crowned, over the balcony, by the crest of the Saavedra family, with the crest and crown of marquis, inside the necklaces of the orders of Carlos III and the golden fleece.

The tour around the inside of Viana Palace is very interesting. However, we should not look at the space as a museum, but as a house where people lived, built according to the needs of those who inhabited it. We have planned the visit just as the Palace is presented nowadays, starting with open spaces, that is, courtyards and gardens. Afterwards, we will analyse the rooms on the ground floor, where we can highlight the Hall of Tobías, decorated with magnificent frescos about the life of this well-known Biblical character. Next, we will climb the beautiful Main Stairway, to get to the noble floor, which, due to its size, has been divided in two areas, eastern and western. In these rooms we will find the richest and most luxurious furniture, where the exostism of the Black Bedroom contrasts with the luxury of the Red Hall or the roughness of the Country Kitchen.

If you wish to know Viana Palace do not hesitate to hire one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of the historical heritage from Córdoba. If you have chosen to do sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a high quality option, choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.