The Provincial Council of Córdoba will organise the Baroque Heritage Days from 16 to 21 November. This sixth edition promises a comprehensive exploration of the artistic, historical, and symbolic universe of the Baroque period through a series of conferences, theatrical performances, concerts, and guided tours, aimed at both specialised and general audiences.
Marta Siles, the delegate for the Presidency, Internal Government, and Housing, highlighted that "these days represent a commitment to the dissemination and appreciation of our province's historical and cultural heritage. They also provide an opportunity to enjoy a cultural programme designed to evoke the splendour of the Baroque, an era whose artistic and architectural spirit is still present in the Palacio de la Merced and many monuments, artistic expressions, and traditions across our municipalities."
Siles further noted that "this initiative aims not only to bring the public closer to a fundamental period of our history but also to promote knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of a heritage that is an essential part of our identity."
Programme highlights
The event will kick off on Monday, 16 November, at 18:30 in the Church of the Palacio de la Merced, with an official opening ceremony followed by an academic session titled ‘Faith, Power, and Representation: Popular Religiosity in Baroque Córdoba’. Four presentations will be delivered that afternoon, covering topics such as ‘Baroque Aesthetics and Tridentine Message in Religious Celebration’, ‘Brotherhoods and Processional Parades in Baroque Córdoba’, and ‘Conflicts of Córdoba's Brotherhoods in the Modern Age’.
On Tuesday, 17 November, attendees can enjoy a theatrical guided tour of the Baroque spaces in the Palacio de la Merced, led by Francisco Mellado, with performances by Elizabeth González. The day will also feature a concert of Baroque polyphony titled ‘Sonorous Chiaroscuro’ by the Cantabile choir, exploring the expressive contrasts of Baroque masters.
Wednesday, 18 November, will include a guided tour of Carcabuey, showcasing key Baroque monuments, and a children’s educational concert on Baroque music at the Palacio de la Merced. Later, another theatrical guided tour will take place, followed by a concert featuring the Bolivian Chamber Orchestra, focusing on the musical legacy of Jesuit missions in Bolivia.
On Thursday, 19 November, the focus will shift to Priego de Córdoba, with a guided tour of various churches and chapels, culminating in a concert titled ‘Baroque Legends’ featuring works inspired by folklore.
Friday, 20 November, will see a visit to Lucena, including stops at significant religious sites, followed by a performance of Calderón de la Barca's ‘The Holy King Don Fernando’.
The Baroque Heritage Days will conclude on Saturday, 21 November, with a closing concert featuring works by Zelenka and Telemann, performed by the Ensemble and Choir Averroes from the University of Córdoba.
Admission to the theatrical performances and concerts will be free until capacity is reached, although prior registration will be required for guided tours and children's activities, starting from 10 November. Transportation for provincial activities will be provided by bus, departing from the Provincial Council at 08:30 and returning at 14:30.
This initiative aims to recover and promote significant pieces from the provincial collections, with restoration projects planned for several artworks, including works by notable artists from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Siles emphasised that the restoration programme is executed by hiring specialised professionals selected through public competitions, contributing to the strengthening of the professional fabric of artists and artisans in the province.
