Seville is a fascinating blend of eastern and western architecture and culture. For centuries, it was the capital of various Moorish dynasties like the Abbasids, Almoravids, and Almohads. Over its 2,200-year history, Seville has seen many changes, not just in architecture but also in culture and even its name. Let’s explore the historical essence of this ancient city.
Starting as Spal, a likely Phoenician settlement, it became the Latin Hispalis, then the Arabic Ishbiliyya, and eventually the Spanish Sevilla. Unlike Córdoba and Granada, which have preserved their Moorish architecture, Seville has surprisingly few remnants from its 500 years under Moorish rule. Notable exceptions include the Palacio del Yeso in the Alcázar, parts of the city walls, the Torre del Oro, and elements of the cathedral such as the main section of the Giralda bell tower.
Despite the limited number of Moorish structures, the Moors left a lasting impact through their craftsmanship. This heritage was carried on by Mudéjars (unconverted Muslims) and Moriscos (converted Muslims) who were later employed by Christian rulers to build impressive structures, like the Alcázar of Seville.
Following the Reconquista, Seville became a residence for the Castilian Royals. Parts of the Alcázar are still used by the Royal family, making it the oldest functioning royal palace in Europe. The Cathedral, built between 1402 and 1506, converted the former Muslim minaret into the Giralda, a Christian bell tower.
Seville flourished during its Golden Age after Columbus discovered America in 1492. Awarded a trade monopoly with the Americas, the city saw the construction of significant structures, including the Renaissance Archivo General de Indias and the Royal Tobacco Factory, alongside many Baroque churches and buildings.
The origins of Seville’s Alcázar date back to the early 10th century, serving as government buildings for the Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba. Subsequent rulers, like the Abbasid dynasty, added a Royal House, and the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties made further expansions. Unfortunately, only the Palacio del Yeso remains from these times. The Alcázar we see today largely stems from later Christian monarchs who, despite banning Islam after reconquering Seville in 1248, embraced Arab design in their additions to the palace.
The most distinguished section of the Alcázar is the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro, built in the late 14th century by King Pedro I with the help of artisans sent by his Muslim ally, the Emir of Granada, Muhammed V. This collaboration resulted in the most notable Mudéjar architecture, showcasing areas like the Patio de las Doncellas, Patio de las Muñecas, and Salón de los Embajadores.
The history of Seville’s cathedral is equally rich. Construction of the mosque that preceded it began in 1184 under the Almohad dynasty. After the Reconquista, the mosque served as a church until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1356. The Puerta del Pérdon, the central fountain in the Patio de los Naranjos, and parts of the Giralda bell tower are some of the remnants of the original structure. The Christians incorporated the minaret into the new Cathedral built from 1402 onwards, and it was further enhanced in the Renaissance period.
The Giralda, named after the weathervane statue (giraldillo) atop the belfry, remains a defining symbol of the city’s layered architectural history.
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