Place to see: Giralda, Sevilla, Spain

Some colours around...

Some colours around...

I were on the top of the Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville in Seville (Spain) and one of the largest churches in the world.And from the top of this an outstanding example of the Gothic and Baroque architectural styles I take a shot of the city...

About this place:

The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville (Spain).

The tower, an ancient minaret from the Almohad mosque of Seville, is constructed in several distinct parts from different cultures. The Islamic body is the oldest part, built in 1184. The Giralda has no stairs; instead, 34 ramps are used to ascend the tower. The ramps were sufficiently wide for the muezzin to ride a horse to the top of the tower to call to prayer.

The copper sphere that originally topped the tower fell in an earthquake in 1365. Christians replaced the sphere with a cross and bell. Later, in the 16th century, the minaret was converted into a bell tower: at the top stands a statue representing Faith.

The statue stands 4 m in height and has crowned the top of the tower since its installation in 1568. The statue was originally called the Giralda ("weathervane") since it twists with the wind on a weathervane.

Postcards about Giralda:

  • Alice Dalla Stella

    10 April 2008
    From:
    Alice Dalla Stella

    Seville, a warm December day, colours all around you, magic land called Andalusia. In front of the high Giralda don't feel tired and be brave! Go up, walk the 34 ramps once used from the muezzin to reach the top and call for prayer. There are not stairs and this makes easier walking to the top.
    The stunning view from the top is a good reason for this effort, I assure you!

Sevilla, Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, ES

Discovered by Alice Dalla Stella
on 10 January 2008.
199 views.