Seville’s cathedral is an arresting sight not only for its size (it’s the world’s largest Gothic cathedral) but also for its mighty Moorish bell tower – La Giralda. A visit here is a great introduction to Seville’s Muslim and Christian heritage.
t The tree- and café-lined Calle Mateos Gago, leading to La Giralda
Experience Seville
t Seville Cathedral and La Giralda
Officially named Santa María de la Séde, Seville’s cathedral occupies the site of a great mosque built by the Almohads in the late 12th century, which had been based on the Koutoubia Mosque of Marrakesh. Eclipsed by the Christian construction, La Giralda and the Patio de los Naranjos are the only lasting legacy of the original Moorish structure. Work on the Gothic cathedral, the largest in Europe, began in 1401 and took just over a century to complete. As well as enjoying the cathedral’s Gothic immensity and the works of art in its chapels and sacristy, visitors flock here to ascend the ramped La Giralda for stunning city views.
Did You Know?
The bronze weathervane (giraldillo) crowning the tower gave La Giralda its name.
Insider Tip
Step Out of Line
As one of Seville’s biggest sights, the cathedral attracts hordes of visitors. To skip the queue at the ticket office, buy a combined ticket at the church of El Salvador, in the nearby plaza of the same name.
EXPERIENCE Seville
The Rise of La Giralda
The tower was built as a minaret for the mosque in 1198. But, in the 14th century, after Ferdinand III had successfully taken the city from the Moors in 1248, the bronze spheres at its top were replaced by Christian symbols. A new belfry was planned in 1557, but built to a more ornate design by Hernán Ruiz in 1568.