It has long been customary to decorate houses and palaces with large open spaces and gardens dominated by fragrant
flowers,
fountains,
canals,
wells,
ponds,
frescoes with
mythological scenes, and
marble medallions (on walls), forming ornate but harmonious shapes with the intention to represent the
Garden of the Paradise as imagined by the Classical and Muslim architects. There are countless examples throughout the region of
Andalusia, notably in the historical quarter of
Córdoba where "
Fiesta of the patios" is celebrated. These patio houses are communal, family or multifamily dwellings or sets of individual houses with the shared patio. As a characteristic cultural space boasts an abundant array of plants, and during the fiesta inhabitants can share food and wine, and freely welcome all visitors to admire their beauty and the skill involved in their creation. The patios also host traditional singing, flamenco guitar playing and dancing. ==Architecture==