Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tourist Information and History

Andalucia » Seville » The Cathedral and La Giralda

La Giralda, Seville
(a photo by Wolfiewolf)

The exterior of the Seville Cathedral is not so attractive, but besides the magnificent tower Giralda which rises overtop, the church hides many treasures inside. La Giralda, the most graceful memory of the Almohad dynasty, was erected as a minaret of the Aljama mosque, on the site of which the Cathedral was built. The tower was completed in 1198 by the architect Ali de Gomara. It was damaged by the earthquake in 1365 and during the 16ht century was restored and the Baroque bell tower with 25 bells of different ages was added to it. Eventually the vane was put atop and it was that gave the name to the entire tower. There is a wide path beside the 98 m high tower. The path was used by the muzein - the Muslim caller, who climbed to the top on his horse to summon the citizens for a prayer. The lower in rank, ordinary people had to climb the tower on foot but their efforts were generously awarded by a stupendous panoramic view over Seville.

The Cathedral of Seville
(a photo by Wolfiewolf)

The entrance to Giralda passes through a splendid large patio with orange trees, surrounded by horseshoe-like arcades on its two sides which are the only architectural elements of the old mosque preserved untouched. From here under a double arch - Arabic and Gothic, you will enter the world's third largest cathedral after St. Peter in Rome and St. Paul in London - Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede. It represents an astounding combination between late Gothic and Renaissance styles. The construction works continued more than a century, from 1403 to 1506. Start your tour from the main altar, an impressive work of the Flemish art, made of 2.4 tons of gold brought from "the new lands" in Mexico and Peru. The altar has been working out for no less than 35 years. Take binoculars with yourself if you want to enjoy a closer look at its wonderful jewelry carving.

Behind the altar is another masterpiece - the choir with gracefully carved thrones of Cuban mahogany dating back to 15-16th centuries. Don't miss the splendid decorative stone masonry on the ceiling of the transept, made after the great Lisbon earthquake of 1778 when this part of the cathedral was destructed and built again. The bright windows of stained glass reflect in the best way the change of the styles – the upper row is in Gothic style and the lower one - in Renaissance style.

Another View of the Cathedral
(a photo by Jelsy)

To the left of the transept is the grave of Christopher Columbus or at least this is what the Spanish people claim. His body was buried here or in the enormous mausoleum of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. If the second variant is true, then in Seville is buried the son of Columbus - Diego. The sacristia of the Cathedral hides stupefying treasures. Here you can see paintings by Murillo, Goya and Zurbaran, gold and silver chalices, reliquaries, procession crosses strewn with jewelry, a beautiful conveyable altar of 12th century and a huge monstrance. In this later part of the Cathedral is found the Capitular Hall too. The last surprise is Capilla Real, which entrance is from a square with the very honourable statue of Santa Maria de Los Reyes, a patron saint of Seville.