Hall of the Senses

We continue our tour of the “lived-in house” in one of the most interesting rooms of the Viana Palace, known as the Hall of the Senses.

This small but highly fascinating neoclassical-style room gets its name from the five mural paintings, clearly inspired by Goya, that decorate its walls and represent the five human senses. Depicted from right to left, they are: hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell.

Decoration and Atmosphere

A striking carpet made at the Royal Tapestry Factory covers almost the entire room, at the center of which stands a small round table with a blue opaline oil lamp. Hanging from the vaulted ceiling above is a very fine baccarat chandelier made of bronze and crystal, without a doubt one of the finest in the house. To the right of the door, a French fireplace with mirror and mantelpiece, on which rest a clock and two Sèvres candelabras.

Furniture in the Hall

The most striking and original feature of the Hall of the Senses is undoubtedly its Filipino furniture. Consisting of a total of twenty-two pieces of papier-mâché in Napoleon III style, lacquered in black and decorated with seashell inlays and gilded borders, it gives the room a distinctly exotic character.

Also of great interest is the set of romantic sofa and armchairs upholstered using the capitoné technique, a type of padding where the filling is secured with buttons sewn from the outside; in elegant blue tones, the armchairs are arranged around the fireplace, and the sofa is located in the opposite corner.

Other Noteworthy Pieces

Other pieces of interest include four English ceramic dogs from the late 19th century, placed at the back of the room next to the 18th-century folding screen decorated with paintings of mythological scenes, or the oriental fans, etc.

Despite housing numerous objects, the overall room does not feel overcrowded, thanks to the excellent arrangement of all items, in line with the marchioness’s taste.

Visit the Hall of the Senses

If you wish to discover the Hall of the Senses at the Viana Palace, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you’ve chosen to do some sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a quality option—choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.