jan 1, 1184 - (1184) Marvel # 02: The Giralda of Seville
Description:
1184 AD - today: The Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral in Andalusia, Spain, was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville during the Almohad dynasty in the late 13th century. After the expulsion of Muslims, it was converted into a bell tower while retaining much of its original structure. In the 16th century, a Renaissance-style belfry was added raising the tower's height to approximately 95-96 meters (~311 ft). The tower is crowned by the Giraldillo, a rotating (Girar = To spin) bronze statue symbolizing the Triumph of Faith, serving as a weather vane. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Giralda is a significant symbol of Seville, showcasing a blend of Moorish and Renaissance architecture.