The Córdoba Patio Festival is the city's most iconic event, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2012. Every year in May, residents open the doors to their private patios — inner courtyards turned into hanging gardens of cascading geraniums, fragrant jasmine and purple bougainvillea.
A centenary competition
Since 1921, the competition has recognised the most beautiful patios across four categories. Six itineraries let visitors discover more than 50 patios across the historic quarters of San Basilio, the Judería, Santa Marina and San Lorenzo. Owners pass their expertise down the generations — the geranium cultivars, the whitewash technique, the placement of pots on the wall — tending these urban spaces with remarkable dedication.
Six itineraries
The Alcázar Viejo / San Basilio itinerary has 11 patios, including the most award-winning. These courtyards, close to the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, are where the serious flower-wall competition happens. The Judería has 10 patios in the historic Jewish quarter near the Mezquita-Cathedral. Santa Marina - San Agustín is less crowded with 10 more authentic patios. Santiago - San Pedro covers popular tradition with 9 patios, while San Lorenzo adds 8 in a neighbourhood atmosphere. Regina - Realejo reveals 6 historic patios.
Practical tips
Patios open 11:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00. Go in the morning for the eastern quarters (Santa Marina, San Lorenzo), and in the evening for San Basilio and Judería. Starting with less-visited quarters avoids the longest queues. Free entry to all patios. 2-hour guided tours with reserved time slots bypass the queues at popular patios (€16).
Combine your visit with the Batalla de las Flores (late April floral parade) and the May Crosses that start in late April. If Córdoba's floral tradition interests you, FLORA in October takes the same tradition in a completely different direction — contemporary floral art in historic palaces.
