There are many ways to enjoy patios!
Since they were recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity , the quote from the courtyards of Cordoba began to congregate so many people that the charm of visiting them quietly, admiring the flowers, inhaling the aromas, listening to the little birds, whether during the day or at night under the stars... has disappeared.
For this reason, if you plan to travel to Córdoba these days to experience the patios **(the appointment lasts until May 19) ** we have thought that perhaps you would like some of these experiences (in Córdoba and in the province) to that you can live them in a more genuine and authentic way.
1. A TASTING OF FLOWERS AND WINE
Entering a courtyard, like those of ** San Basilio ** in the neighborhood of the same name and of the Jewish quarter , no rush, no pushing, no queues! Y live the experience of the patios with the five senses It is a luxury at this time, much more so if the person leading the meeting is an expert in wines and patios (with several guides behind her) like Maria de Miguel.
This young journalist and sommelier, educated in London, tired of living in the mega city, decided to return to her native Córdoba and show a unique heritage: the hospitality of a town that opens its private houses every May to show its patios, its flowers and its traditions but do it in a different way.
Cordovan patios, a mixture of aromas that celebrates spring
The tasting he directs is called Alchemy and includes three tapas, two wines from Montilla-Moriles and the flowers: some more acidic, others sapid, some with a touch of sweetness...
“Flowers have a lot of qualities, both tasty and healthy, and it is a fun product at the gastronomic level” Miguel comments.
To end the experience, which lasts an hour and a half and has a session at 12:00 p.m. and another at 6:00 p.m. (from 30 euros per person), attendees choose three flowers and an alchemy is made with which they prepare themselves a cocktail.
two. THE PATIOS AT SUNSET AND WITH VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Córdoba is flowers, patios, generous wines... but also virgin olive oil. From this winning combination came Cordoba's Essence , an experience that included two other super seductive elements: Cordovan cheeses and the fact that everything happens at sunset (in Córdoba we are already at almost 40 degrees in the shade).
Floral waters, part of the Alchemy experience
The experience, also directed by the sommelier Mary of Michael is celebrated in Courtyards of San Basilio (from 8:30 p.m.) and in the relaxed atmosphere of this environment, without hurry, Two extra virgin olive oils from the Juan Colín mill are tasted , which has garnered several international awards.
Also, They are paired with two styles of cheese, two wines from Montilla-Moriles and also some flowers. (from 30 euros per person).
3. A NIGHTTIME MUSICAL THROUGH THE COURTYARDS OF THE PALACE OF VIANA
Another proposal that has already reached its seventh edition is the guided tour of the spectacular twelve courtyards of the Palacio de Viana to the sound of the zarzuela, a moving show in which some 50 performers take you through the flowery stages of this unique 16th century manor house.
The appointment takes place in the next few days. May 10 and 18 (from 9:30 p.m.; 25 euros per person) and the common thread of the musical is the story of the families that inhabited the palace, the Marquises of Viana.
One of them was the famous Marquis of Viana, José de Saavedra y Salamanca, who had a huge projection in the Court of Madrid and was a close friend of Alfonso XIII.
Patio de la Cancela, in the Palace of Viana
Four. ROUTE THROUGH THE COURTS OF THE SUBBÉTICA CORDOBESA
Leaving the capital and taking a walk around other suggestive patios in the province is an excellent idea. Above all, if we talk about an environment as beautiful as it is Subbética, made up of some of the most charming towns in the province and that now, in spring, they live their most flowery festivals.
The routes (from the 9th to the 19th of May) offer a show that has nothing to envy to that of the Cordovan patios. Its three itineraries run through more than 80 patios, balconies and typical public and private gardens.
The first route encompasses the patios and corners of Almedinilla, Carcabuey, Priego de Córdoba and Zagrilla. The second is formed by the patios of Cabra, Doña Mencía, Luque, Lucena and Zuheros; and the third is formed Benamejí, Encinas Reales, Iznájar and Rute.
If to this path you add the local gastronomy with the leading role of one of the best olive oils in the world, the proposal is not to be missed. You can see the addresses of the patios on their Facebook page.
The beautiful courtyards of the Subbética
5. FOLK IN HISTORICAL COURTS LIKE THE HOUSE OF THE INCA
Wander and dance at night in patios whose stones speak of centuries of history, like the patios of the colonial House of the Inca Garcilaso, in Montilla , and doing it through live music is another way of experiencing the magical atmosphere of the courtyards.
all of it to the sound of artists like Pepín Tré and his pop chatter, or Pepe Peña and Garden Band, or contemporary poetry Noelia Morgana and Ruben Salcedo.
La Casa del Inca will host the Soma Club Festival
In addition, in a petit committee, while you have a few glasses of Montilla-Moriles from Bodegas Robles, and try the creations of chef Sergio Jiménez.
This is what the soma club festival , a new patio proposal for the next May 10 and 11, which will be developed in the Casa del Inca, the first day and in the courtyard of the Garnelo Museum (the one who was Picasso's teacher) during the second day (you can buy your tickets here from €10).
The courtyards of Córdoba as you have never experienced them before
6. TO EAT AND DRINK IN A COOL PATIO
If what you are looking for is to eat a good flamenquín in a typical and magical Cordovan patio , one of the most charming options is El Patio de María.
Here you can taste, sitting at a table and surrounded by flowers, the most typical Cordovan products, from Iberian ham to sheep's cheese from Los Pedroches, passing through oxtail, gazpacho or aubergines with honey...
All this in a house that was the residence of a bishop, a neighbor's house and owned by a silversmith. until Maria, her current hostess (and her cats, her Persians) took her over.
Typical products in a most welcoming environment