Casa de los Marqueses de El Carpio

Casa de los Marqueses de El Carpio is a noble palace in Córdoba that contains a medieval tower, defensive walls, and a Neo-Arabic courtyard. The building preserves Roman remains in its basement levels, revealing traces of multiple historical periods layered beneath the current structure.

The property was established in 1236 following Córdoba's reconquest to help defend the city walls from further threats. It became connected to the House of Alba in the 17th century, marking a new chapter in its ownership and role as a noble residence.

The house shows how nobility in Córdoba lived and designed their homes by blending different cultural influences seen in the rooms and courtyards. The spaces reflect a city where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities coexisted and shaped daily life together.

The palace sits at the intersection of San Fernando Street and Calle Cabezas in the old city center. Visitors should know that the interior has multiple levels and uneven terrain, making it best explored on foot at a comfortable pace.

Beneath the palace lie layers of Roman foundations and medieval Islamic fortifications that show how different cultures built one on top of another. These archaeological layers are partly visible to visitors and tell a story of Córdoba reaching back over a thousand years.