Giralda

The Giralda is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral in Andalusia, Spain, originally built as an Almohad mosque’s minaret in the 12th century and later capped with a Renaissance belfry.

The tower stands at roughly 104 metres to the top of its weather vane and provides wide views of Seville from its upper levels. Architectural highlights include the original Almohad brickwork, the 16th-century belfry, and the bronze Giraldillo statue at the summit.

Constructed as the minaret for Seville’s Great Mosque during the Almohad period in the late 12th century, the tower survived the mosque’s conversion and was modified after the Reconquista when a Renaissance-style belfry was added in the 16th century. It became the cathedral’s bell tower and an enduring symbol of the city.

Attached to Seville Cathedral in the city’s historic centre, the Giralda sits on the eastern edge of the cathedral complex near the Guadalquivir River and is within walking distance of major central squares and monuments.

• Climb and Ramps: The tower can be climbed via a series of gently sloping ramps rather than stairs - there are traditionally cited as 35 ramps - which were designed to allow horse access in the past.
• Height and Views: At about 104 metres tall including the Giraldillo, the tower offers panoramic views across Seville and the Guadalquivir River; sunset is a popular photo time.

What to See #

• Almohad Base: The lower Almohad masonry - the original 12th-century minaret core - forms the tower's base and features characteristic horseshoe-arch decoration.
• Renaissance Belfry: The Renaissance belfry added in the 16th century houses the cathedral bells and was designed during renovations by Hernán Ruiz and successors.
• Giraldito / Weather Vane: The Giraldillo is the bronze weather vane statue on the summit, installed in the 16th century and symbolizing the triumph of the Christian faith over Seville.