Annaschnitfink's Fotothing

Spain - Sevillla - Cathedral

Left:
(part of ) La Giralda - the bell tower of the cathedral.
The major part of this tower used to be (until 1248) a minaret and was part of the mosque that preceded the cathedral.
The construction of the Minaret (Tower) was ordered by the Almohad ruler Yousouf Yacoub al-Mansour and lasted for twelve years.
After completion in 1196, the top of the tower did not look like it does today. It was used to call Moors to prayer and also functioned 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) 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 1568.

Right:
(part of the) Puerta del Perdon - Gate of Forgiveness
The Puerta del Perdon used to be part of the mosque that was situated here before the cathedral was built.