La Giralda of Seville: What to see in Seville

Seville is a city that captivates all who visit it, be it for its rich history, exciting culture and Andalusian charm. In this city you can find from iconic monuments even picturesque neighbourhoods. However, when you think of Seville, the Giralda is one of the first images that come to mind. This emblematic monument, with its 800 years of history, has become one of Seville's main tourist attractions and a symbol of the city.

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about Seville Cathedral and the Giralda.

History and architecture of the Giralda in Seville

La Giralda is the name given to the imposing bell tower of the cathedral of Santa Maria Headquarters. Originally, it was erected as the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville, which occupied the site where the cathedral now stands, since Seville was the administrative capital of Al-Andalus for a long time.

The The Great Mosque of Seville was begun in 1172 by Caliph Abú Yaqubbut after his death, it was his son Abu Yusuf Ya'qub who ordered the minaret to be erected in 1184. After the Christian reconquest of Seville in 1248The mosque was consecrated as a cathedral and years later the minaret would be converted into the Cathedral bell towerwhose minaret has been modified and restored over the centuries, incorporating Renaissance and Baroque elements.

It was at the 16th century when the present Christian body was added, the bell tower which tops the tower, designed by the architect Hernán Ruiz II, crowning it with the Giraldillo. Later, this Cathedral of gothic architecturehas been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Of the old mosque, only the Giralda and the Patio de los Naranjos remain today. The interior of the Giralda is very simple, with hardly any ornamentation, an austere and delicate decoration that responds to the principles of the Almohad religious movement. Its design presents a set of ramps going up to the topThese were installed so that the sultan could ride up on horseback, and are the same as those used today.

This bell tower has a total of 24 bells and a height of 95.5 metres, one of the highest minarets in the world. At the top of the Giralda is the bronze statue representing the Triumph of Faith, which acts as a weather vane, the Giraldillo.

In addition to the Giralda, there are other essential points to visit inside the Cathedral of Seville, such as the famous Orange Tree Courtyard, the High Altarpiece, the Choirthe Chapels (highlighting the Royal Chapel) and the Covers (the Prince's Gate and the Pardon Gate are two of the notable entrances that reflect the cathedral's architecture and history).

As a curiosity, in the interior of the Cathedral are the remains of Christopher Columbusspecifically in the Royal Chapel.

Climbing the Giralda in Seville

Visiting the Giralda is an unforgettable experience for lovers of history and architecture. Visitors can ascend the ramps which, though somewhat strenuous, offer the opportunity to appreciate unique architectural details and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From this privileged vantage point, visitors can admire the cathedral of Seville, the Plaza de Españathe Torre del Oro and the Triana neighbourhoodamong other emblematic places.

Access to the Cathedral and the top of the Bell Tower is possible any day of the week, though free of charge is possible from 14:00 to 15:00 hours. (with limited daily capacity), from Monday to Friday (except public holidays). You can consult the rest of the opening times and ticket prices on the Cathedral website.

However, our recommendation to visit this beautiful city in depth, it is advisable to visit the Cathedral of Seville together with the Giralda and the famous Alcazar of Seville.

In a nutshell, The Giralda is a symbol of the diversity and richness of Seville's history.. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply looking for a breathtaking view of the city, a visit to the Giralda will leave you in awe and connect you with the historical essence of Seville.

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Opt for the minibus rental for your exciting excursion to Seville and La Giralda would be an extremely wise choice. Imagine the comfort of travelling with your friends or family in a spacious and private space, where camaraderie and anticipation are united from the moment you board the minibus. With comfortable seating and large windows, everyone can enjoy the panoramic views of the journey to Seville, creating an atmosphere of excitement.

In addition, the minibus will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, stopping at scenic spots and enjoying unforgettable moments along the way. Once in Seville, the minibus will facilitate transportation between attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the majesty of La Giralda and explore the city's rich culture without logistical worries. In short, hiring a minibus not only guarantees a hassle-free trip, but also becomes an essential component of the adventure, enriching the experience and creating lasting bonds between friends and family.