Diputación de Córdoba
The Merced Palace was originally a convent, later became a poorhouse and currently houses the Cordoba Provincial Council. Opposite the Colón gardens this magnificent Baroque building from the late 17th century stands. It is full of exquisite details, but its predominant feature is its main cloister, the Patio Barroco, or Baroque Courtyard, one of the most striking examples of this style in Andalusia.
The Patio Barroco, whose design is attributed to Alonso Gómez de Sandoval, was built in 1752 south of the church, along with the spectacular imperial staircase (from 1760). The paintings that decorate the courtyard are one of its distinguishing features, creating faux reliefs by means of plays of light, shadows and colours, in a wonderful example of trompe l’oeil. The painting here is similar to that of the building’s façade, as this style was popular in Cordoba in the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century.
This is the first time we will see a FLORA installation in this iconic patio of Cordoba.