Giralda Tower in Seville

Seville in Spain was obtained from the Moors by Fernando III in 1248. The Romans called it "Hispalis" while the Muslims called it "Ishbiliya" by the Muslims. The vestiges of the Roman and Muslim past have been well preserved. Seville became a prosperous city over time. The old town of Seville recreates the essence of an old Spanish village. The Moors' Giralda Tower in Seville is the bell tower of the cathedral. Today the Cathedral retains only the Naranjos and the Giralda Tower. Roman blocks are found at the base.

Features of Giralda Tower in Seville:

  -  Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville, which is one of the largest churches in the world.
  -  It is a fine example of Gothic and Baroque style of architecture.
  -   One of the representations of the medieval period, the tower was an early Almohad minaret which was the tallest tower in the world rising up to 320 ft.
  -  The Giralda has various sister towers. The Islamic body which is the oldest was constructed in 1184 on the behest of the Caliph Abu Yusuf Ya'qub al-Mansur by the architect Ahmad ibn Baso and completed by Abu-l-Laith As-Siqilli in 1198
  -  Roman stones from the ravaged city of Italica, were used to help in the construction process.
  -  Stairs are absent in the Giralda. 34 ramps are used to climb the tower. The ramps were constructed conveniently for the muezzin to ride a horse to the top of the tower.
  -  The tower was originally enclosed by a copper sphere which collapsed in an earthquake in 1365. The Christians put up a cross and a bell in the place of the copper sphere. During the 16th century, architect Hernán Ruiz planned a belfry extension, thus converting the minaret to a bell tower.
  -  A statue symbolizing faith is placed atop of the extension.
  -  Saints Justa and Rufina are believed to guard Giralda.
  -  The Giralda tower was modeled on the lines of the tower of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh.
  -  The Giralda tower is said to have inspired the construction of various church towers in Seville. Some of the notable examples are the ones built in Madison Square Garden in New York, Kansas City, clock tower of the Ferry Building in San Francisco and the clock tower at the University of Puerto.