Giralda Tower: Climb Seville's Iconic Landmark

The Seville Cathedral Tower, also known as the Tower of Giralda is arguably one of the most popular attractions in Spain. Standing tall in all its glory, the Seville Cathedral Tower was originally a minaret of the Almohad Mosque during Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf’s reign. The tower not only represents Seville’s vast and eventful history but also serves as a timely reminder of Spain’s diverse culture. 

Read on to learn about the Seville Cathedral Tower’s history, architecture, and all the important information you need to know before visiting it. 

History

The Seville Cathedral Tower was one of the minarets of the Almohad Mosque and was built somewhere between 1184 and 1198. The tower’s design was inspired by the minaret of Koutoubia which is probably the most significant mosques in Morocco today. While the tower is a fine example of Arab architecture, it has served as an inspiration for many iconic buildings in and around Seville including the the Alcázar and the Torre del Oro. 

Built more than 800 years ago, the Seville Cathedral Tower is also considered the oldest building in Seville. There was a great sense of urgency to build a great mosque when Seville was declared the capital during the Almohad rule between 1121 and 1169. The Seville Cathedral was originally the great mosque of Seville and the tower was one of its minarets - a testament to the city’s intertwined history. 

The minaret became a bell tower when King Ferdinand captured Seville in 1248 and converted the great mosque into the magnificent cathedral we see today. 

Architecture

There have been significant additions to the original tower since it was built in the 12th century. While the tower’s structure was initially built in Arab or the typical Islamic style, the architecture changed gradually once the Arabs left Seville. The Seville Cathedral Tower which we see today is a confluence of Moorish and Renaissance architecture. 

The intricate geometry combined with bricks and stones showcases the tower’s Islamic heritage and architectural style. Legend has it that there was a copper sphere on top of the minaret which disappeared after an earthquake in 1365. Many elements from the Arab era were replaced with Christian symbols including the holy cross in the 14th century. The Seville Cathedral Tower which we see today was designed by Hernán Ruiz, a Spanish Renaissance architect.