Sevilla Sights
La CatedralBuilt on the site of the Almohed mosque, it is a monument to the Catholic religion and is the biggest gothic cathedral in the world. Entrance is gained through La Puerta de San Cristobal and the enormity of the interior is impressive. It is a treasure house of Spanish art. One of the first things to strike the visitor is the enormous monument to Christopher Colombus. Outside the northern walls is the Patio de los Naranjos, (courtyard of orange trees), with its central fountain, an area to rest and reflect on the scale of this building with its different artistic and construction styles.
La GiraldaAttached to the outside of the cathedral stands the tallest tower in Spain, La Giralda. A 90 metre high, decorative brick tower, the minaret of the old mosque was a symbol of the Almohed power. This was the minaret that the muezzin called the faithful to prayer. Please make the effort and climb to the top where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
AlcazarIt is a collection of Moorish palaces with its buildings and gardens enclosed by high walls. A beautiful area, not to be missed. It has been added to and expanded many times by the different rulers who took up residence there but still offers some of the best surviving examples of Mudejar architecture.
Torre Del Oro - (Tower of Gold)Built by the Almoheds in 1220 formed part of the defensive wall that ran from the Alcazar to the river. It was connected to another tower across the river by means of a thick chain thus effectively sealing the entrance to the port. The tower was reputed to have gold tiles covering its dome which reflected the sun’s rays, hence its name. Argument as to the origins of the name still persists some arguing that it was named as a result of the towers use as a repository for the gold brought back from the America’s.
La Plaza de EspañaThis is one of the city’s ‘must see’ areas, with its fountains and artificial river. Curving round the plaza is a grandiose monument that forms a vast semi-circle of 200m diameter. Covered in colourful tiles is a map and historical scene for each Spanish province.
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