Patio of the Palacio de Orive - Cordoba

Renaissance civil architecture reaches its maximum expression in Córdoba in the Palacio de Orive. The delicate beauty of the facade designed by the architect Hernán Ruiz II remains intact inside, which houses a beautiful courtyard presided over by a fountain, as well as several rooms where we can visit exhibitions of contemporary artists , while the palace functions as the headquarters of the City Council's Delegation of Culture.

The harmony emanating from the building contrasts with the dark legend it hides. According to tradition , the Corregidor of the city lived here with his daughter Blanca. One night when they took shelter with Hebrews, Blanca saw how they managed to open a staircase in the palace by means of a spell , on which they descended and returned with a treasure . When Blanca followed in their footsteps, she was mortally buried under the walls of the building and despite her father's efforts to save her, this proved impossible. Since then, many residents claim to have heard her disconsolate cries for help in the early hours of the morning.

At the rear, it includes the old orchard of the neighboring convent of San Pablo , also founded by Ferdinand III, to which the chapter house, now converted into an exhibition hall, once belonged.

Willem Vandenameele