La Giralda Attached to Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain - Encircle Photos

6 La Giralda Attached to Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain

The Almohads were a Berber dynasty from North Africa. By the mid-12th century, after conquering most of Morocco and key cities in the Iberian Peninsula, they made Sevilla their capital. This prominence deserved a grand minaret. Architect Ahmad Ben Baso was hired to build it alongside of Aljama Mosque. It was finished in 1198. After the Christians captured Seville in the mid-13th century, they extended its height by more than 100 feet in a Spanish Renaissance style. At the 343 foot peak is a statue doubling as a weathervane. El Giraldillo is an allegory for Faith plus the namesake for La Giralda. To reach the observation deck, enter from Plaza Virgen de los Reyes and trudge up 35 ramps. These were not designed for handicapped tourists. Instead, the ramps allowed a muezzin (man who calls Muslims to prayer) to ride to the top of the minaret on horseback.

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La Giralda Attached to Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain

Calle Virgen de los Reyes, s/n, 41900 Sevilla, Spain

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