OWAY Tours · San Basilio (Alcázar Viejo)
Two hours in the Alcázar Viejo quarter of San Basilio, with entry to five private patios where the owners often explain how they look after the flowers. Pick it for the people: it is the tour that puts you in front of the families, not just their pots.
OWAY Tours meets you at its office in Plaza del Triunfo, the square with the San Rafael monument between the Mezquita and the Roman bridge. From there you walk into the Alcázar Viejo quarter, the San Basilio area, and enter five private patios, with the entry for all five in the price. The owners are often home, and they tell you how they water, repot and plan the walls of flowers.
It is the most reviewed patio tour in Córdoba, with over 1,100 reviews, and the 4.3 average reflects how much depends on the day. Guests praise guides like Paloma and Pedro, and one wrote that a guide who knows the owners even got them into an extra patio. The patios are small homes, so expect short waits at the door. During the May festival the tour switches to the San Francisco and Santiago quarters instead.
It runs rain or shine, and it ends at the Ermita de los Santos Mártires by the Guadalquivir, not back at the start. This is not the Viana Palace; for the palace's 12 patios in one place, take the patios and gardens ticket. If you prefer a glass of fino at the end, look at the patios and wine tour.
The red building in Plaza del Triunfo, next to the Mezquita. Bring ID; the operator asks for it.
Past the Alcázar into the lanes of San Basilio, with the background on why Córdoba builds round patios.
One house at a time, with the owner or caretaker often at the door. Time for photos in each.
The tour finishes at the small chapel by the river. The old town is a short walk back.
★★★★★I learned a lot about the history of the patios, the different types and also we visited patios that weren't overrun by tourist groups. Pedro was friendly, had a lot of knowledge about the history of Cordoba and the beautiful tradition of the patios.
★★★★★My second tour with Paloma! She knows so much about local culture and history.. a real pleasure! [...] The owners of the patios are there and know and like the guides. [...] We even got an “extra” patio because Paloma knew them.
★★★★★Great tour today at 5 pm, 27 Abril. Lots of good information and did not feel rushed. Each patio was unique and our guide did a great job introducing each one. Beautiful flowers and a beautiful tradition.
★★★★★Very worthwhile doing to learn about this unique part of Cordoba’s culture. Beautiful patios and a good variety. We didn’t have to wait too long to go to each patio.
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Five private patios in San Basilio (the Alcázar Viejo quarter), with entry to all five included. During the May festival it visits patios in San Francisco and Santiago instead.
Often, yes. The listing says owners tell you about the decoration and the flowers, and guests describe owners who know the guides well.
It starts at the OWAY Tours office in Plaza del Triunfo, next to the Mezquita, and ends at the Ermita de los Santos Mártires by the river.
No. The palace is a museum with 12 patios on the north side of the old town. This tour goes into family homes in San Basilio. Compare them in Córdoba patio tours compared.
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Five private patios in San Basilio, often with the owners there to talk about them.
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