Mosaic Room in the Viana Palace
In one of the corners of the Main or Reception Courtyard, an old door opens to the Mosaic Hall, a room named after the 4th-century Roman mosaic found on the floor. Like many other archaeological remains located in the Palace of Viana, it was discovered in the Llanos de Roldán, Moratalla Palace (Hornachuelos, Córdoba), and was installed in this room in 1923 at the express wish of José Saavedra y Salamanca, second Marquis of Viana.
Hall Description
It is a rectangular hall of modest dimensions. It is covered by a large vaulted ceiling decorated with moldings and rocaille, from which hangs a votive lamp with an 18th-century small oil lamp, providing light to the room. On the main wall, a large anonymous painting on leather stands out, depicting “Cleopatra at the Funeral of Mark Antony“, although it is not in very good condition. On the left end wall hangs a 17th-century armorial tapestry embroidered in silver on red velvet. Several rustic pieces make up the furniture of the hall, such as the traditional sofa with a gold and red brocade cushion, the carved chest in flamboyant Gothic style, or the paneled cupboard.
Furniture and Notable Pieces
Of particular interest are the two 16th-century ceremonial chairs housed in the Mosaic Hall. The ceremonial chair is a seat reserved for moments of special importance and for dignitaries, both civil and religious; for many, it is considered the precursor to choir stalls. Both examples are characterized by great sobriety and sturdiness, although the one in the corner displays more innovative features, such as a carved coat of arms on the backrest, framed with moldings. Of similar composition is an exceptional 16th-century bench, whose Mudejar-style geometric decoration adds a touch of elegance to the room.
Access and Architectural Elements
Two pink marble columns with Arab bases and Roman capitals flank the entrance door, which connects to the Signatures Hall.
Tourist Recommendation
If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Palace of Viana by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special section to the Mosaic Hall. Choose to experience high-quality tourism with qualified staff—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.
Text: J.A.S.C.
The Mosaic Hall is a rectangular room in the Palace of Viana that gets its name from the 4th-century Roman mosaic that covers its floor, originating from the Llanos de Roldán and installed in the palace in 1923 at the request of the second marquis of Viana.
The ceiling of the Mosaic Hall is covered by a large coffered vault, decorated with moldings and stuccowork, from which hangs a votive lamp with an 18th-century lamp that illuminates the room.
Among the notable works in the hall is a large anonymous painting on leather representing 'Cleopatra at the funeral of Mark Antony', and a 17th-century tapestry of arms embroidered in silver on red velvet.
The furniture includes rustic pieces such as a popular sofa with a brocade cushion, a Gothic flame-shaped trunk, a coffered cupboard, two thrones from the 16th century, and a bench decorated with geometric motifs in Mudéjar style.
The Mosaic Hall is located next to the Main or Reception Patio, and its entrance is flanked by two pink marble columns with Arab bases and Roman capitals that connect it to the Hall of Signatures.
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
