In the winding alleys of Seville rises an architectural masterpiece that touches not only the sky but also the hearts of visitors – the Giralda. Originally built in the 12th century as a minaret for the Almohad mosque, the Giralda tells a fascinating story of cultural fusion and religious transformation that has endured through the centuries.
The Giralda represents the golden age of Moorish architecture in Spain. Its builders, Abu Iussuf Iakub, Ahmed ibn-Basso, and Ali al-Gomara designed the minaret as a pinnacle of Moorish engineering, with a helical ramp that allowed one to reach the summit on horseback. The fascinating combination of Moorish splendor and technique with later Christian additions makes the Giralda a prime example of architectural evolution.
In the 16th century, the Giralda was converted into a bell tower under the direction of architects like Hernán Ruiz II to serve the growing Christian community.Later, in the 18th century, under the direction of Fernando de Casas Novoa, a Baroque lantern was added to the dome.
The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral. It houses a total of 27 bells and a wooden ratchet. It is entirely built of brick and is partly clad with white and black marble. At the top of the tower, there is a 3.5 m (11,5 ft) high bronze statue named Giraldillo. El Giraldillo represents a woman in a tunic, with a palm branch in one hand and a flagpole with a cross on top, from which a war flag flutters, in the other hand. The Spanish word girar translates as 'to turn' or 'to revolve'. Since the statue rotates with the wind, this is also where the name Giralda comes from, as a designation for the entire tower.
Today, the ascent of the Giralda promises not only breathtaking views over the rooftops of the old town but also a unique lesson in architectural history. From the Moorish battlements to the Christian additions, the structures and details tell a story of cultural synthesis.
The Giralda stands as a symbol of the cultural diversity of Seville, where past and present meet in every corner. Its imposing exterior conveys an impression of the impressive craftsmanship of bygone times, while the interior recounts stories of faith, art, and architecture.