Patios of Cordoba?

I'm in Sevilla right now, Ann, and will be in Córdoba May 2-4 as the Patios Festival begins, so I will report back. Lucky me! From Córdoba, the Feria del Caballo in Jerez!

Almost all I saw last year seemed to be based on the aesthetic that more is better than less, crowded is better, empty space needs to be filled and over-the-top is not possible. I'm not criticizing or judging their culture, I'm describing so readers can decide if it appeals.

Travel advice warned maps could be wrong and patios could be closed when should be open. That was good advice.

Dancebert, thanks for the info and opinion, I understand what you are saying.

Larry, I will look forward to hearing what you think. The 2nd is the Parade of Flowers where the women throw flowers starting at noon. Since the festival goes on until the 15th I can always catch a train if it's worthwhile.

I loved the Flower festival in Girona which are flower art installations and the map is correct. I'm getting a feeling Cordoba would be different.

I visited the patios with some Spanish friends a few years ago and thought they were just gorgeous! We were on a small walking tour (in Spanish) with about a dozen people. One host offered us all wine, too. While I understand what the previous poster was saying, I loved the "over-the-top" aspect of it, myself. You come in from narrow, plain streets and see overwhelming lushness everywhere.

How many days would you give to see the Patios?
Am thinking of combining it with Malaga.
How many days would you give Malaga to get a taste of the city?

Ann in reply to your Malaga question, if you want a literal taste of the city book with WeLoveMalaga for their tasting tour (not tapas tour). We did it just a few days ago with Damian and the experience and value were phenomenal. We even met Damian's father, 70s, out walking as training for his Camino. The tasting tour was outstanding, and plenty filling. Ask them to puchase the no label wine for you, 2€ per bottle and same as the labelled stuff.

Any feedback or tips from those who have gone this year?
How many days do you suggest?

One thing I remembered from last year. I arrived late in the time when patios were on display. Got frustrated because I didn't know if the map was wrong or the patio had closed. Locals I spoke with said people begin closing their patios after the competition, though they're supposed to stay open for the specified period.

OK Ann and amigos, here is my report. I arrived in Córdoba on May 2, just as the Patios began, and left for Jerez on May 4. Lasts to May 15. I loved Cordoba, and there is of course a large and interesting city and community far beyond where most tourists probably venture, which is mostly limited to the Mesquita, Alcazar and old Jewish quarter.

About the Patios, there is a folding map readily available all over town. It shows 47 patios entered in the concurso, those divided into six far-flung routes, each with a different color route on the map. Those six routes are in various different parts of the city, and appear all to be residences. In addition, there are 16 more patios listed that are not in the concurso, mostly at public buildings. In addition to those, there are various places around town where the outer gate from the street is open, which invites one to go as far as the closed mesh interior gate, so you can view the patio without entering it. The open hours are 11 am to 2 pm, and then 6 pm to 10 pm, and admission is free.

I found it can be tough to follow the map as it turns corners onto some unnamed little streets, and I often got lost trying to follow the map, which was fun but also frustrating. Some of these little "streets" appeared to be 2 meters wide or less, that's wall to wall.

I probably visited 10 patios or so. I chose one of the distant routes, the red Santa Marina route, in order to see something different of the city, and I only walked, a lot, and got lost a lot, including when returning to my apartment quite late at night. On this route, I particularly liked #10 which was dedicated to Cervantes, and number #14 I think it was, where I talked with one of the residents who told me the house dated to the year 1420 and pointed out some of the original stone work.

In terms of the plants involved, there were a lot of colorful flowering plants, sometimes just on the one floor of the patio, but other times cascading down from balconies and stairways. While the plants were pretty and very nice, I did not see especially unusual or exotic plants, and not really any "specimen" plants. Just a very large number of mostly potted colorful plants, sometimes with old ceramics, tools and themed miscellany. While each patio is different, I think after a while it could get to be quite repetitious. How long would it take to see all the patios, well, I think if you walked constantly during open hours, and did not get lost too much, maybe three days, more or less. I myself could not handle 47 + 16 patios, and of course there are other great things to do with your time in beautiful Córdoba. By the way, the Mesquita and some other sites are open free of charge from 8:30 to 9:30 am. At first I misunderstood, and arrived at about 9:10 am, and thought I could then stay. But no, when the mass it ready to begin at 9:30 am they tell all other visitors to leave. To return you would need to buy a ticket. Luckily I had a second day, on which I showed up at 8:30 am for a full hour. The Mesquita Tour in the RS Spain book was very good and helpful.)

Hope that helps!

Larry, thanks for the review. Am headed to Cordoba on May 11-13 and still deciding
where to stay so if you have recommendations please let me know.

Larry, thank you so much for the information! Very appreciated. We will be in Cordoba soon- May 8-10.

Gina