Courtyard of the Orange trees

The next stop is the Courtyard of the Orange trees of Viana Palace. It is named after the six centenary orange trees surrounding its central fountain.

The courtyard has a trapezoidal floor. On its shorter side there is a small square pond with five water fountains, decorated with motifs in blue pottery and tiles. In the rest of the surface, we can highlight the flower beds, the most outstanding ones are those located on the closing wall.

In one of the 19th-century plans still preserved, the Courtyard of the Orange trees is divided in two parts which are clearly distinguished: the area of the pool, which took different names depending on the time, such as Courtyard of the Fountain, Drinking Courtyard or Courtyard of the Vine; and the area of the orange trees, known as Courtyard of the Dining rooms, referring to the rooms of the palace facing this area. We do not know when it was demolished, but in the time of the last marquis and marchioness of Viana the separating wall was not there.

From the flower beds, we can see climbing plants covering most of the walls, such as the wisteria, covering almost the whole wall. In one of the corners, the fragrant heliotrop grows, with its small blue flower which was said to be the marquis favourite plant. The central fountain, which is octagonal, is covered by pots full of purple viper’s bugloss and water lilies. Besides, there are many bougainvillaes, yarrows, clivias, roses, lantanas, and geraniums.

The façades of the palace mixed with the vegetable composition creating an unequalled scene. There are up to four openings on the higher floor, two of them of an angled balcony, and the other two, foundry balconies. On the ground floor, three doors of three different rooms lead to the Courtyard of the Orange trees, two of them in line with other two balconies. The woodwork has the typical blueish colours.

The constant noise from the water fountain, the darkness, the need to scrutinise each of its corners since it cannot be seen at once, all these elements add a feeling of mystery, loneliness, intimacy, relax… to this beautiful place, thus transforming it in an unequalled view.

If you are wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a good option would be Viana Palace, choosing one of our guided tours. This way you will know everything about the Courtyard of the Orange trees. Choosing to do high quality sightseeing is choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.