Giralda Tower

Giralda which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city
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Once among the tallest religious monuments in the world, this former minaret is now the eye-catching bell tower to Seville Cathedral.

La Giralda was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the spot where Seville Cathedral is now. Constructed between 1184 and 1196, La Giralda was one of the three major minarets built by the Almohades, a Moroccan Berber dynasty that took control of Spain in the 12th century. The other two minarets are in Rabat and Marrakech. After the Reconquista in 1248, the Christians claimed La Giralda for their own, and it’s been the bell tower to Seville Cathedral ever since.You will see La Giralda long before you get close to it. It towers over the cathedral and the neighboring rooftops. Take a moment to appreciate the artisanship of the belfry, and the large bronze statue of a woman representing faith that tops the tower. These were actually late additions to La Giralda, added in the 16th century and taking it to its current height of 341 feet (104 meters). Towards the bottom of the tower look for the stones with inscriptions relating to the Roman emperor Augustus. The original minaret was constructed using the remains of Roman monuments.Stand at the top of La Giralda and cast your eye across the rooftops of Seville. Look out for landmarks like Royal Alcázar and Plaza de España. Exceptional bird’s-eye views of the city, as well as privileged peeks of the gargoyles and buttresses on the upper reaches of Seville Cathedral, are your reward for making your way to the top. The tower itself demands attention too, with intricate trelliswork and carving making for a simple yet attractive aesthetic. Access to La Giralda’s interior is via Seville Cathedral. End your tour of the cathedral’s vast nave by climbing the gently inclining ramp to the top of the tower. La Giralda is located in Seville’s Old Town, on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. The tower is close to other major attractions, such as the Royal Alcázar and City Hall. La Giralda shares opening hours with the cathedral, and the admission fee is included with cathedral entry.

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Reviews of Giralda Tower

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
246
" "5 - Excellent 62.121212121212125%
4 - Good
133
" "4 - Good 33.58585858585859%
3 - Okay
14
" "3 - Okay 3.5353535353535355%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7575757575757576%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Sep 2019

Do for you if unfit or claustrophobic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Aug 2019

This probably gets rather crowded in high season - book in advance for this, the Cathedral and Alcazar

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

Would not recommend. On the day we visited very long queue to get up the tower. Once we were there part of it was closed off due to works. Lots of people jostling to get up to view over the edge of the tower. Consequently we did not get to see much at all, most people quite rude and not allowing others to get a view. We felt sorry for the people who were perhaps not so fit and those with small children that had walked up the 35 slopes and 17 steps to get to the top. The following day we visited "The Mushrooms" in the Plaza de la Encarnación, was 3 Euro each to go up to the viewing platform, the views were much better than the tower with more room to walk around and less people, would recommend this option over the tower.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Jun 2019

Book in advance. It's a steady walk to the top via ramps and a few steps. Amazing views of Seville and the bells. Busy at the top, so be prepared to be patient to see the views.

4/5 - Good

Anne
29 May 2019

easy enough to climb because it's all ramps until you reach the 17 steps to the bell tower. Not particularly claustrophobic. A little disappointing at the top because of the number of tourists and queuing to get to the viewing points.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 May 2019

Expensive, but I went up years ago and there is a good view from the top, plus the walk up is different from any other Cathedral tower...

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