Palacio de Viana (Viana Palace), Cordoba (must see)

The Viana Palace (Palacio de Viana) was built in the 15th century by the Marquis of Villaseca. Although called a palace now, it started as a stately mansion. Over time, the aristocratic families who came to possess the building transformed it into a Renaissance palace. It was named Viana Palace after the last family to live in the house: the marquises of Viana.

In 1980 the palace was bought by Provincial Savings of Cordoba. It is now a museum open to the public. The facade was designed in the Mannerist style by architect Juan de Ochoa Méndez in the 16th century.

The ground floor holds the Mosaic Room, the Hall of Tables, and the Hall of Signatures. The Nobles Floor, above, is the Black Bedroom and the French Bedroom. The Portuguese Salon has a crystal chandelier, while the Dining Room features rare pottery. The Red Room has a portrait of Queen Victoria Eugenia by painter Joaquin Sorolla.

The Viana Palace has 12 patios or courtyards and a garden. The Receipt Patio has 16 Tuscan columns. The Patio of the Oranges has orange trees. The Patio of Bars has monumental bars. The Patio of Madame holds a nymph and fountain. The Pool Courtyard has a greenhouse.

The Courtyard Archive holds over 300,000 medieval records and documents. The Gate Courtyard, which used to be the carriage entrance, has a plaque of Hercules. The Columns Courtyard, installed in the 1980s, is a venue for events. The Garden covers 1,200 square meters; it houses a 400-year-old oak.

Viana Palace was declared Historical-Artistic National Monument in 1981.