The Giralda
Introduction
The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede in the city of Seville, in Andalusia (Spain). The lower part of the tower corresponds to the minaret of the city's old mosque, from the end of the century, built in the Almohad period, while the upper part is a construction superimposed in the century, in Christian times, to house the body of bells. At its peak there is a bronze statue that represents the Triumph of Faith and which serves as a weather vane, the Giraldillo.[1] It measures 94.69 m meters high.[2].
On December 29, 1928, the cathedral, including the Giralda, was declared a National Monument.[3] In 1987 the Alcázar complex, the Archivo de Indias and the cathedral, with its tower, were considered a World Heritage Site.[4].
There are replicas and buildings inspired by it in Spain and in several countries around the world.[5].
History
Almohad period
During the Almohad period, Abu Yaacub Yúsuf, who ruled between 1163 and 1184, and Abu Yúsuf al-Mansur, who ruled between 1184 and 1199, placed the capital of Al-Andalus in Isbiliya (Seville).[6] This brought the city an update of its infrastructure, proceeding to the construction of some large buildings.[7].
The first major mosque, built in 829 and located where the church of the Savior "Iglesia del Salvador (Sevilla)" is currently located, became too small.[8] In 1172, the construction of a new one began, with the chief architect, Ahmad Ben Baso, and the architects-builders of Marrakech and Fez taking charge of it. In 1176 construction was paralyzed due to the caliph's departure to Africa, when only the flooring and stained glass windows remained to be installed. Later, on April 14, 1182, Abu Yaacub Yusuf gave the first khutba in the mosque.[8].
On May 26, 1184, Abu Yaacub Yúsuf ordered the construction of the minaret when he arrived in Seville on his way to his campaign against Santarém. He also ordered the construction of a wall that would be linked to the minaret. However, the works did not begin at that time.[9].
The caliph left on June 7, towards Badajoz, and then headed west to besiege the town of Santarém, which he arrived on June 27. This city was defended by Alfonso I of Portugal. The siege lasted until July 1184 and on July 29 he was killed in combat.[10][11] The new caliph, Abu Yúsuf al-Mansur (known among his subjects as Muminin) was proclaimed on August 10, 1184, in the Alcázar of Seville.[12].
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