The library of Viana Palace consists of two rooms: the first one with French furniture, whereas the other one has English furniture. Both are full of books from the floor up to the ceiling, with more than seven thousand volumes, all of them published between the 16th and 20th centuries. Most books are written in French and the main topics are hunting and falconry. Each volume is carefully bonded in leather, and the spines give the noble wooden shelves, to which they adjust perfectly, a light colour.

Most of the volumes of this library belonged to the scholar Marquis of Cabriñana, and it also has some unique samples. The most valuable ones are in the first room, on the central shelf, most of them covered by covers of old scroll.

Among the varied pieces of furniture and the different objects in the library, we should mention the celestial and terrestrial globes, both from the 18th century, or the English clock with a marquetry box, as well as the nacre chest from Momoyama times. We must also highlight the oil representing “Don Gaspar Juan Arias de Saavedra“, the marquis’s ancestor, as can be read on the inscription at the foot, a copy of an original made by the painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo from Seville.

An elegant Empire French chaise-longue from the 19th century is the main element in the second room. With its elegant design, it is characterized by having one of the arms higher than the other, as well as having grey upholstery matching the colours of the room, just like the Empire stool located in front of the desk. In the first room, on both sides of the fireplace, we can see two stuffed armchairs with arms and cabriolet legs from the 19th century; its maroon upholstery contrasts very elegantly with the room.

Three oriental carpets cover the plain bricked floor, complemented in the first room with old tiles from Seville, of hunting theme.

If you are wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit Viana Palace hiring one of our guided tours. We will explain there a special chapter dedicated to the Library. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.