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The tower was designed by Ahmed-Baso
in 1184.
Above:
The bronze weathervane known as "giraldillo"
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The
Giralda Tower was
originally a minaret, part of
the Moorish
mosque that preceded the cathedral. In
1248 the minaret was considered a marvel
even to Fernando III, who demanded its
protection prior to his conquering the
city.
The construction of the Tower (Minaret)
was ordered by the Almohad ruler Yousouf
Yacoub al-Mansour.
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started on La Giralda
in 1184 and lasted for twelve
years. When completed in 1196, the
top of the tower didn't look like
it does today. It was used to
call Moors to prayer and also as
an astronomical observatory. In
1198 four brightly polished
copper spheres were added by the
Moors to the top of the tower.
The reflecting sunlight from the
balls was so brilliant the city
made its presence known for miles.
When the copper spheres were
destroyed by an earthquake in
1356, they were replaced (in 1400
A.D.) by Christian religious
features (cross and bell). The
present bell room at the top was
added to the tower in 1560, with
construction ending in 1568AD.
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