Vegetation is able to cool the environment through evapotranspiration. This ability is useful for cities in hot climates, where heatwaves have become more intense in recent years due to Climate Change and the urban heat island phenomenon. The singularity of the urban morphology of historic cities causes special difficulties in the introduction of tall-growing vegetation. Furthermore, taking into account the heritage values and tourist interests involved. A case in point is the city of Cordoba and one of the main areas in its historical centre: Axerquia. Drawing on the theory of sustainable transition, a critical review of the Axerquía Verde (Green Axerquia) process allows us to identify its strengths and limitations as a niche experience, while also helping us to understand the resistance that this type of proposal faces from the institutional regime. Lastly, the case study identifies traditional cultural practices related to the use of vegetation as opportunities to promote the renaturalisation of historical cities. This is the case of the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba, which was inscribed to UNESCO’S Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012.