Giralda+Tower

=The Giralda Tower is one of the three remaining Almohad Minarets in the world (the others are in Marrakesh and Rabat, Morocco). This minaret became the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral in 1402 after the Reconquista and it dominates the city's skyline. The Giralda was named for the giraldillo or weather vane on its top. It was built in 1184 - 1196 and is considered the finest Almohad minaret in the world. Topped with four copper spheres, the Moorish tower was used for both to call the faithful to prayer and as an observatory over the city. In 1248, the Moors wanted to destroy it before the Christian conquest of the city so the Christians could not have it. But this was prevented by King Alfonso X, who declared that "if you remove a single stone, you will all be put to the sword." Several additions were made after and earthquake in 1356 destroyed the original copper spheres that topped the tower. Four additional levels were added at the top for the belfry from 1560 - 1568, and was topped by an Italian bronze sculpture of "faith." The balconies sticking out were added later. Inside there are no stairs, but 35 "gently" (so they say) inclined ramps that are wide enough to allow 2 guards on horseback to pass. Entrance to the tower is on the inside of the Cathedral in the north west corner.=