Seville Cathedral & La Giralda: Where an Islamic Minaret Became a Christian Bell Tower
The Cathedral of Seville (officially Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is the world's largest Gothic cathedral and third-largest church internationally, following St. Peter's Basilica and Brazil's Aparecida Basilica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes Christopher Columbus' tomb and the renowned La Giralda tower, blends architectural majesty with deep historical value.
Following the Christian Reconquest, construction of the Great Almohad Mosque in Seville began in 1401. The Cathedral Chapter famously proclaimed, "Let us build a church so beautiful and grand that those who see it will think we are insane." The complex building took more than 100 years to complete, incorporating Gothic and Renaissance styles throughout.
La Giralda, the cathedral's 104-meter (341-foot) bell tower, began life as the mosque's minaret, built between 1184-1198 by architects Ahmad ibn Baso and 'Alī de Ghomara under the reign of Caliph Abu Ya'qub Yusuf. The design was inspired by the Koutoubia minaret in Marrakesh, Morocco. Following the Christian conquest in 1248, the mosque was converted into a cathedral, with the minaret serving as a bell tower.
In the 16th century, architect Hernán Ruiz constructed a Renaissance-style belfry, raising the tower and transforming it into a Christian emblem. The Giraldillo, a bronze weather vane representing Faith, was installed on top in 1568. The tower withstood the disastrous 1356 earthquake that levelled much of Seville.
La Giralda is unique in that it has 35 gently sloping ramps instead of stairs, which were originally meant to allow the muezzin to ride his horse to the top for the call to prayer. This makes the climb easier, however it still takes 30-45 minutes. The peak offers 360-degree panoramic views of Seville's rooftops, including the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, and Santa Cruz district.
The cathedral's interior contains treasures, including Columbus' magnificent mausoleum (his bones were relocated from Cuba in 1898), which is borne by bronze figures symbolising the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre. The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) commemorates King Ferdinand III of Castile, who recovered Seville from the Moors in 1248. The cathedral features paintings by Murillo, Goya, Pedro de Campaña, and Luis de Vargas, as well as an intricate treasure room.
The Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) is the old mosque's tranquil courtyard with rows of orange trees and a central fountain used for ritual ablutions.
The hours of operation vary by season. Winter (September to June): Mondays 11:00-15:30, Tuesdays through Saturdays 11:00-17:00, and Sundays 14:30-18:30. Summer (July-August): Mondays 9:30-14:30, Tuesdays through Saturdays 9:30-16:30, and Sundays 14:30-18:30. Tickets to the church and Giralda cost around €12.
