Some of the most remarkable buildings, testament to Andalusia’s rich and turbulent history, are sacred sites – serving the local community for centuries. After La Mezquita, it’s time to take a look at another stunning building.
Like the Great Mosque in Cordoba (which you can read more about here), the Cathedral of the Virgin in Seville is also considered a symbol of Andalusian beauty, showing a different picture of the changes that have taken place in this part of Spain and Europe.
When cultures clash
The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Seville is another – after La Mazquita – Andalusian church that boasts an impressive history. And this is due, among other things, to the ruthless battle over symbols fought by the peoples living in Al-Andalus, today known as Andalusia. When the army of King Ferdinand III of Castile and Leon entered the city in 1248, the Arabs who had lived there for centuries were driven out. Seville’s new rulers decided to manifest the primacy of Christianity over Islam, so they took over the magnificent 12th-century mosque, made the necessary alterations and adapted it to serve as a Christian temple. After 150 years, however, it was decided to carry out an act that would prove the ultimate triumph of Christianity – the mosque was razed to the ground (leaving only parts of the minaret and the courtyard with its orange garden) and the construction of a magnificent new temple began.
A powerful new face
Construction began in 1401, following a design by Alonso Martínez. Work continued for more than a century, and the cathedral was finally completed in 1507, making it one of the most impressive religious buildings of its time. This status remains the same today, as it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, measuring 76 by 116 metres! The cathedral consists of five side aisles, a nave and an elevated transept. Nine richly decorated Gothic portals lead into the interior.
Delight at every turn
It is well worth a visit to admire its undeniable immensity and marvel at its magnificent details. Worthy of note are the impressive double organ, the ornately walled choir and the extraordinary gold-decorated altar (Capilla Mayor), which covers a substantial area of 360 square metres and depicts 45 scenes using around 1,000 figures! The element of the temple that attracts the greatest number of tourists is the resting place of Christopher Columbus. This monumental tomb depicts a coffin decorated with gold, carried on the shoulders of four kings – of Castile, León, Navarre and Aragon.
A region filled with history
When you come on holiday to Andalusia, you must be aware that it is a region that is capable of seducing everyone with its beauty, manifested among other things in its historic buildings (buildings in Granada, Seville or Córdoba), as well as in its unique national parks(Doñana, Cabo de Gata). Once you visit the region, you will be lost without memory and, instead of planning your next holiday, you will start looking for a property in Spain to make your second or maybe even your only home.
