Flower Power

Cordoba, Spain

Flower pots affixed to facades, bursting with bright blooms. Dozens of pots—hundreds, in some cases—cover the walls of quaint courtyards, from ground level up to the roof. 

Cordoba is famous for its flower-filled courtyards (aka patios). Magnificent and magical, they also serve a practical purpose, providing a cool haven for homeowners in a city with blazing hot summers.

Each May, residents open their patios to the public during the Patios Festival of Cordoba (Feria de los Patios), which includes a competition for prettiest patio. The rest of the year you can visit many private patios for a small fee, while some remain free.  

Here’s a peek at these unique, beautiful, joyful spaces.