The Giralda, Sevilla (Spain)
The Giralda in Seville is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral and the minaret of the former Great Mosque with a Renaissance-style belfry added later. It is a must-see attraction along with the city's other UNESCO listed sights, such as the Cathedral and the beautiful Real Alcázar.
It stands 104 meters (341 feet) tall and is a prominent symbol of the city. Visitors can climb to the top on a series of slopes for panoramic views.
History
The Great Mosque in Sevilla was built by Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf. After several years of construction it was finally completed in 1198. The minaret of the mosque was modeled on that of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.
In the 16th century, architect Hernán Ruiz the Younger added the belfry, concealing the original Almohad lantern. At its summit stands a bronze weather vane and statue known as "El Giraldillo," installed in 1568 as a symbol of the triumph of the Christian faith. The tower now takes its name from this statue which stands around 4 meters tall and weighs over a ton. The work represents a triumphant woman with a helmet often associated with the goddess Minerva. A detailed replica of the statue stands in the Plaza de Triunfo near Seville Cathedral.
Architecture
The tower features a robust, square form with intricate brickwork, geometric patterns, and decorative arches characteristic of Islamic design. Inside, instead of stairs, a series of 35 gently sloping ramps leads to the top, a practical feature that once allowed riders on horseback such as the muezzin to ascend to the top and deliver the call to prayer (Adhan).
After the Christian reconquest, the structure was transformed into a bell tower for Seville Cathedral in the 16th century, when Renaissance architect Hernán Ruiz the Younger added an ornate upper section. This addition introduced classical elements such as pilasters and a belfry, and either enhances or distracts from the original design depending on your opinion.
Other Attractions in Sevilla
Sevilla is one of Spain's most attractive cities with grand monuments, plazas and churches financed by the gold and silver brought back from Spain's former colonies in Central and South America.
As a result of its Islamic past and leading the way in the plunder of the Americas, the city has much to see and do. Indeed, it is a veritable treasure trove of historical buildings.
Other historical sights are the Roman Alameda de Hércules, the Parque de María Luisa, Plaza de España, part of the Parque de María Luisa, the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, the Torre del Oro, a piece of the city's defences during the Islamic period as well as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza - the city's bull ring.
A more modern attraction is the Metropol Parasol aka Las Setas de la Encarnación, which claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world. Designed by German architect, Jürgen Mayer-Hermann and engineered by Arup the structure was completed in 2011 after 6 years in construction.
Football fans should not miss a visit to the city's soccer stadiums the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, La Cartuja and the Benito Villamarín Stadium - home of Betis.
Access
Avenida de la Constitución, s/n, 41001 Sevilla
The cathedral is a 30 minute walk south west of Santa Justa Station or take a 28 bus to Avda. Carlos V and walk about 15 minutes or alternatively a 21 to Menéndez Pelayo (Juzgados) then a 10-minute walk or an EA bus to Paseo de Las Delicias.
Getting around the city is easy either on foot or on the Sevilla Metro. The nearest metro stop to Seville Cathedral is Puerta de Jerez, located approximately a 10-minute walk away. It is on Line 1 of the Seville Metro. Alternatively, the T1 Tram runs along Avenida de la Constitución and stops at Archivo de Indias, right next to the cathedral.
Accommodation in Sevilla
There is a very wide and abundant range of accommodation available in Sevilla. The following is a recommended selection, listed from high-end to budget.
EME Catedral Hotel is located next to Seville Cathedral and only 60 meters from La Giralda which can be seen from the rooftop pool. There is a spa and free Wi-Fi.
The Ayre Hotel Sevilla offers four star accommodation opposite to Seville's Santa Justa Station. Sánchez Pizjuan Stadium is just 600 meters away.
The four-star Hotel Inglaterra overlooks Plaza Nueva and has rooms with classic-style décor, and private balconies a short distance from the cathedral.
Hotel America in Plaza del Duque has rooms with good facilities close to Seville Cathedral and the Giralda.
The Hotel Baco is a more budget option close to El Rinconcillo - the birthplace of tapas and Sevilla's oldest eatery.
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Maps of Seville
