We enter the Main Courtyard or Reception, to which we will come back. In one of its corners, there is a small corridor with a door leading us to the Main Stairway, which will, in turn, take us to the noble floor.

Built in stone at the end of the 16th century, it has been preserved in a very good condition. The Main Stairway consists of two sections which are clearly distinguished with an intermediate landing. We can highlight the balustrade, decorated with geommetrical elements such as the rhombus or the circle, typical of the taste of the time. In the intersection between the balustrades of both sections, there is an empty space, which was used by the author to place a crest which, according to some, could have belonged to the Figueroa y Córdoba, the first inhabitants of Viana Palace.

One can access the noble part of the palace through two round arches made in bricks, supported over a plain-shafted column with Tuscan capital, which, in turn, is supported by a small balustrade decorated with two serlianas, decorative motifs consisting in the use of a round opening flanked by two lintels. In this case, the serlianas are completed with three openings on each of them, two oval ones over the lintels and a circular one over the round arch. Due to this decorative motif, some have seen in it the hand of architect Juan de Ochoa, from Córdoba, as it is an element he used again in other buildings, such as the Main Courtyard in the current building of Círculo de la Amistad.

The Main Stairway is covered by a magnificent fine Mudejar wooden ceiling, also very well preserved, where we can highlight its centre, made in golden wood with stalactite work, from which a lamp hangs to light the hall.

On the face of the landing, there is an interesting emblazoned tapestry, and we can also appreciate torch stands, lanterns or an Arab column, with its base and capital with Arabesques. This sumptuous stairway marks the transition between the flowery courtyards of the house and the luxurious and stunning hall on the high floor.

If you wish to know the Main Stairway of Viana Palace, do not hesitate to hire one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of the historical heritage from Córdoba. If you have chosen to do sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a high quality option, choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.