La Giralda is the bell tower of the famous cathedral in the beautiful city of Seville, Spain. This tower has become a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive architecture and magnificent views of the city.
History of La Giralda
The construction of the tower began in 1184 on the orders of the Almohad ruler, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur. It was originally built as a minaret for the mosque of Seville.
However, in 1248 when the Christian monarch, Fernando III conquered Seville, the mosque was converted into a cathedral and the minaret was turned into a bell tower.
Architecture
The tower stands at 104 meters tall and is made of brick and stone. The lower section of the tower was built in the Almohad style while the upper section was built in the Gothic style by the Christians.
The tower has a ramp to reach the top instead of stairs. This was built for the Muezzin to ride up on his horse so that he could call the faithful to prayer. However, it has now become an interesting feature of the tower as visitors can climb up without having to go up steep stairs.
View from the top
At the top of the tower, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Seville. The view is particularly beautiful at sunset when the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink.
Interesting facts:
- The top of La Giralda is topped with a statue known as El Giraldillo, which represents Faith.
- The tower has survived many earthquakes throughout history.
- Christopher Columbus is said to have climbed the tower after his return from America.
In conclusion, La Giralda is an impressive tower and a must-visit attraction when in Seville. The tower is not only an important historical monument but also offers a stunning view of the city. So, next time you plan a trip to Seville, make sure to add La Giralda to your itinerary.
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