Red Room

This imposing and spacious hall takes its name from the red silk that lines its walls. Located above the already mentioned Salón de Tobías, it has a rectangular layout with chamfered corners, thus creating an interesting effect.

Description of the Red Hall

Everything housed in this luxurious hall comes from the Palace of the Duke of Rivas in Madrid, such as the dazzling 19th-century Bohemian crystal and bronze chandelier hanging from the central ceiling molding. In the four corners of the hall are placed four consoles, and above them, four split mirrors reaching up to the frieze crowning the walls, decorated with garlands.

A Chinese Coromandel screen draws attention, located in the center of one of the longer sides of the Red Hall; made of twelve panels and decorated with oriental motifs, it was a wedding gift to Don Álvaro de Urzáiz. In front of the screen stands a red sofa, the marchioness’s favorite spot for naps, and on both sides, two small tables on which, it is said, there was once a large collection of old noble metal stamps.

Furniture and Decoration

As for the furniture, mostly in French style, up to eight Louis XVI-style stools stand out, along with a Chinese center table, two Louis XIII-style armchairs, two small Portuguese Louis XV-style armchairs, and a Louis XVII-style sofa. According to scholars of the Palacio de Viana, this is one of the most lived-in rooms of the house, not surprisingly, as the Marchioness’s Bedroom is located next to this hall, although it is not open to visitors.

To the left of the aforementioned screen, a small display case presents twenty-three pieces of East India Company porcelain. More porcelain pieces are scattered throughout the hall, on tables, consoles, and pedestals. The floor is covered by two rugs: a Persian one at the entrance and a larger one belonging to the Generalísimo Foundation.

One of the most interesting paintings in the collection is located here; it depicts Queen Victoria Eugenia and is signed by the renowned Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla and dedicated by Her Majesty. There are also portraits of an Infanta and of The Little Girl with the Dove, both anonymous works.

Access to the Marchioness’s Bedroom

Opposite the side of the screen and the large sofa is a door leading to the Marchioness’s Bedroom. Once through, we find ourselves in a small antechamber with a large window overlooking the Patio de la Cancela. On either side of the antechamber are the bathroom and the Marchioness’s Bedroom.

In its walls, two large windows open — one to the Patio de la Madama and the other to the aforementioned Patio de la Cancela. They are adorned with floral English cretonne curtains in a bluish-gray tone, which is repeated in the upholstery of a comfortable armchair.

The rest of the furniture consists of a mahogany bed with nightstands on either side. Standing out on one wall are two niches with glass shelves displaying delicate white opaline and silver glass pieces. Presiding over the bed’s headboard is a painting on glass depicting the theme of the Annunciation.

The Red Hall in the Lived-in House

With the Red Hall we conclude our tour of the “lived-in house,” those places that were frequently inhabited by the marquises on a daily basis.

Visit the Red Hall

If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Palacio de Viana by booking one of our guided tours. There we will dedicate a special chapter to the Red Hall. Choose to enjoy quality tourism with qualified staff. Don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best choice.

Text: J.A.S.C.