Portuguese Hall

We can walk through the Gallery of the Hall of the Wooden Ceiling to get to one of the starkest room, but not the least interesting in Viana Palace. We are talking about the Portuguese Hall.

This rectangular small hall is named after the origin of the different objects and furniture, most of them brought from Portugal – we must not forget that the last Marchioness of Viana was born there. A wardrobe, two counters decorated with metal elements, a stool, two Don Juan V-style chairs and mirror, or a carved table with bronze inlays, decorated with two silver candelabra; these are two of the interesting pieces in the room.

However, we would like to pay special attention to the two Chippendale chairs from the 18th century, opposite each other, in the middle of the longest sides of the Portuguese Hall. On the palace’s inventory they are called “two Don Juan V chairs– 18th century“, as Chippendale style was called “Don Juan V” in the neighbouring country. With high and slender backs decorated with pebbles motifs, we can highlight their front legs in cabriolet shape with paws over balls, which are connected to the rear legs through curve mouldings crossing in the centre. They both have a dark colour, a typical feature of the Portuguese furniture of the time.

Of all the paintings in the Portuguese Hall we can mention an oil on copper representing a “Shoot“, attributed to Rubens’s school.

The room is lighted by a distinguished glass lamp made in La Granja de San Ildefonso (Segovia). An elegant Kilim carpet, decorated with geommetrical elements in different colours, covers most of the floor.

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

Text: J.A.S.C.