Visit Seville - Giralda
The Giralda tower is one of the iconic monuments of Seville. It is the bell tower of Seville cathedral though was originally built as a minaret for the mosque which stood here before the cathedral.
Explore La Giralda
The Giralda minaret was built in the 12th century by Ahmed Ben Baso who also built three more similar minarets- the Kutubia in Marrakesh, the Hassan tower in Rabat and the Mansuriah in Tremecen. It is probably the oldest building in Seville.
Originally 76 meters high the Minaret was of powerful religious significance to the Moors and when they were conquered by Prince Alfonso they asked to be allowed to destroy the minaret. Alfonso refused saying that "If only one brick were removed from the tower they (the Moors) would all be stabbed to death".
A Renaissance belfry was added to the existing Minaret in the 16th century along with balconies and a weather vane in the shape of a woman. "Giralda" means tower weather vane with a human or animal shape in Spanish and this word was adopted for the whole tower. The weather vane itself became known as the Giraldillo though in Seville it is nicknamed "the Giant".
A copy of the Giraldillo can be seen at ground floor next to one of the cathedral entrances.
The structure as a whole is beautiful and is equally stunning at night when it is illuminated. Indeed visit the rooftop bar across from the Giralda Tower and you can enjoy a view of the tower at eye level whilst sipping a cocktail and watching the sun go down and the illuminations turned on - wonderful.
Included in the price of a cathedral visit is a visit to the top of the Giralda tower. Fortunately though the tower is now 93 meters high (with the addition of the belfry) you reach the top by walking up 35 ramps rather than steps. Ramps were originally built so that the mezzin could climb to the top on horseback each day as he mounted to call the faithfull to prayer.
The climb is therefore steep but much easier than it would have been if it were all steps.
Once at the top the views are fabulous in all directions.
There is an inscription carved around the Giralda tower which reads "TURRIS FORTISSIMA NOMEN DNI PROVERB. 18" which means "The name of the Lord is a strong tower."
The Patio de los Naranjos
The only other remains from the old mosque is the Patio de Los Naranjos which is a kind of internal courtyard in the cathedral and is where the Muslims carried out their ablutions. The courtyard is very pretty with rills carrying canals of water and orange trees planted throughout. The surrounding walls are engraved with passages from the Coran.
Galeries at the edges contain the Chapter library and the Colombino Library and the chapel of the Virgen de Granada which also remains from the Mosque.
Other attractions to see in Seville include:
The cathedral
The Alcazar
The Barrio Santa Cruz district
The El-Arenal district
You can find more local travel ideas in the Seville guide and the Andalucia guide.
Photos of Seville - Giralda
Click any picture to start the gallery
Map of Seville - Giralda and places to visit
Seville - Giralda places to visit
Alcazar of Seville
The Alcazar is a collecion of Moorish palaces and beautiful gardens. It was used in the filming of Game of Thrones.
Alcazar of Seville guide
Seville Bullring
Seville bullring is a beautiful building and one of the oldest bullrings in the world.
Seville Bullring guide
Seville- El Arenal
Riverside district of Seville and home to Seville's bullring. This is a quieter part of Seville and nice for a riverside walk.
Seville- El Arenal guide
Casa de Pilatos
The Casa de Pilatos is a 16th century palace and gardens in Seville. It is Moorish in style and has two courtyard gardens.
Casa de Pilatos guide
Metropol Parasol
The Seville Metropol is an amazing modern structure in the heart of Seville. Not only great looking but you can walk on the top of it and get some great views.
Metropol Parasol guide
Seville - More Places to Visit
More places to visit in the fabulous town of Seville. Seville is packed with places worth visiting.
Seville - More Places to Visit guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Andalucia