Giralda

Inspired by the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, the Giralda was built during the Moorish era in the city, although it's upper part was finished after the Christian reconquest.

Legend has it that when the Moors saw that they were being defeated, they asked for the tower to be destroyed as they didn't want it falling into Christian hands, but that prompted Alfonso X of Castile to conserve it, making it part of the history of the city.

Giralda at a Glance

The tower is named after the 'Giraldillo'; a bronze statue at the top of the tower used as a weather vane.

It's 331 feet tall (101 meters), including the Giraldillo, making it taller than other famous towers such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and even Big Ben in London.

The Giralda bell tower has a total of 24 bells, among which the Santa María la Mayor bell stands out for weighing a ton and a half.

Visiting the Giralda

The legendary Giralda is one of the most famous images in Seville, and as such, it's definitely worth a visit.

Interestingly, the tower has 35 ramps that were installed so that you could get to the top on horseback. These ramps are still in place today, enabling visitors to reach the top without climbing countless stairs.

Once at the top, you'll have a bird's eye view of the entire city, and you'll be able to admire the many monuments and beautiful narrow streets.

Visitors often visit the Giralda, the Cathedral, and the Alcázar all at the same time. If you're interested in doing the same, we offer a guided tour that includes entrance to all three places.