哥多華天井 Cordoba Patios

Cordoba is particularly well known for its colourful patios which are opened up to the public in early May and may be visited according to pre-established routes.
The patios are internal open courtyard that form part of the typical architecture of the Andalucian town house. The patio also forms part of the social life of the house being a communal area. The sleeping accommodation and the living rooms are built around the space. Cordoba takes a special pride in its patios and decorates them with flowers.
Patio Contest (4th to 15th May 2005), in which home-owners compete for the prize awarded to the most beautifully decorated patio. The map provided by the Tourist Office will help you find the competing courtyards.
This one is not to be missed for those who love flowers and gardens or are just interested to nose inside the patios of private houses.
This is a serious competition and not an event put on for tourists or visitors from other towns. Almost all the Patios are closed from 14.00 to 17.00 just when the day tripper would visit them.

Josephine Quintero reports