Tobías’ Living Room

From the Hall of Signatures, to which we must return, we head to the largest room on the ground floor of the Viana Palace, known as the Tobias Hall.

The Mural Paintings and the Book of Tobias

The walls are completely covered with fresco paintings, depicting stories from the book of Tobias. This book, part of the Old Testament, explores God’s presence in family relationships, expressed through the companionship of the archangel Saint Raphael with Tobias, a young man full of faith who sets out to find a wife, and eventually marries her after overcoming great difficulties, with the help of the Angel sent by God—who, let us not forget, is the guardian of Córdoba. The series of paintings consists of twelve compositions, such as the Apparition of Saint Raphael to Tobias, all of them anonymous from the 18th century and restored in the 19th century by León Abadía.

Natural Light and Historical Use of the Hall

One of its large windows overlooks the beautiful and romantic Patio de la Madama, the other one faces a corner of the Garden. Located on the east side of the Viana Palace, it is one of the rooms that receives the most natural light during the early hours of the day. It once served as the main dining room of the house and the place where the marquises hosted their most important receptions, such as the one organized in 1963, when the marquises invited the highest authorities of the city for tea, thus celebrating the completion of the renovations carried out in the palace.

Furniture and Decorative Elements

In the center of the Tobias Hall, standing on an impressive carpet from the Royal Tapestry Factory, we find a large Spanish refectory table, with a single-piece oak tabletop. This table used to be located in the adjacent Gallery of Arquebuses (not open to visitors), since the hall was often used for events and meetings, as well as numerous classical music concerts.

In the center of the table sits an exquisite jar of fine Imari porcelain, with bronze applications. On marble pedestals, two bronze lions flank this excellent piece. Above it, a leafy bronze chandelier with silver and gold candlesticks.

The main seats of the Tobias Hall are of Portuguese origin, made in the 18th century from leather now darkened with time, yet displaying embossing of exceptional quality. Various torch holders and candlesticks are arranged across the tables and surrounding areas.

The Vault of Tobias Hall

The hall is covered by a large vaulted ceiling with wooden framework, featuring an extensive frieze decorated with garlands and cornucopias, moldings, and rocaille, with a pendant for the chandelier.

Visit to Viana Palace

If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Viana Palace by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special chapter to the Tobias Hall. Choose quality tourism with qualified personnel—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.