Giralda

Seville, Andalusia, Spain

The former minaret of the Almohad mosque of Seville, now the bell tower of Seville Cathedral. Its ramps (instead of stairs) were designed so the muezzin could ride a horse to the top.

Historical Context

Built by the Almohad architect Ahmad ibn Baso, the minaret was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. After the Castilian capture of Seville in 1248, the mosque was demolished and replaced by the Gothic cathedral, but the minaret was preserved and topped with a Renaissance-era bell chamber.