Courtyard Houses of Axerquía

Aerial view of the Courtyard Houses of Axerquía in Granada, Spain.
New solutions will mitigate the effects of depopulation, gentrification, and the boom of the modern tourism industry on this historic urban housing typology

Córdoba’s Historic Legacy

The historic center of Córdoba, Spain, is one of Europe’s largest historic districts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, with its designation expanded in 1994 to include the entire district. Founded as a Roman settlement in 206 BC, Córdoba reached its cultural and intellectual zenith during the Caliphate of Córdoba (8th–11th centuries). The city’s urban fabric reflects its Islamic heritage, with public spaces evolving over time while retaining the courtyard residential typology. Today, Córdoba is internationally renowned for its Mosque–Cathedral, historic quarters, and courtyard houses, which host the Fiesta de los Patios, an annual festival recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, the historic district faces challenges such as depopulation, as residents leave courtyard houses in search of modern comforts.

The courtyard of the house located at 12 Calle Montero, 2018.

Preservation Efforts and Community Impact

In response to these challenges, local initiatives like PAX have aimed to restore abandoned courtyard houses through citizen housing cooperatives, while Córdoba’s municipality implements a management plan to improve living conditions in the historic district. The Courtyard Houses of Axerquía were included in the 2020 World Monuments Watch to highlight efforts to repopulate the area and address the effects of mass tourism. In September 2020, American Express awarded $1 million to support preservation at seven Watch sites, including Axerquía, enabling WMF to back local initiatives that balance depopulation and tourism’s impact with sustainable economic benefits. This collaboration underscores the importance of preserving Córdoba’s unique heritage while fostering a resilient and inclusive historic center.

Mudejar arches are a historical feature of the courtyard house, 2018.
Visitors to the housing cooperative located at 12 Calle Montero, 2018.