So today for my Art of Spain class we had to meet in the Cathedral - how awesome! Free entrance and all, can't beat that! Judy, our professor gave us our own personal tour of course pointing out all the fabulous art and architecture that the Cathedral contains. She is such a wonderful woman, I am so lucky to be in her class and gain 10x more knowledge about Sevilla then I would have ever known without her!
I walk by the Cathedral almost everyday when I'm out by the University, or on the weekends it's become something more of the "norm" to me, and everyday site, but this visit helped me realize that it's a privilege that I am able to walk by it everyday and just how much it means to Sevilla and Sevilla's history! From the outside the Cathedral is obviously 3 things - huge, beautiful, and old. But, there is SO much more then that and during our trip here I learned that!
The Cathedral of Sevilla us officially the Largest Cathedral of the World and is even proclaimed in the Guinness Book of World Records!! The Cathedral is another example of a mix of all different types of art and architecture - what people here like to call it a "gazpacho" blending of various cultures!
Check it out - Cathedral so official!
Video of inside the Cathedral!
Before the Cathedral was a Cathedral, it was a Mosque made by the Muslims - but an earthquake came and destroyed most of the Arabic structure, thus the building of a Cathedral! It isn't only used for worshipping, but a place of worship and celebration! It is where Fedinand and Isabel, Christopher Columbus and other "New World" explores came to worship!
Whats even cooler about the Cathedral is that inside is Christopher Columbus' tomb!!! We got to see it! Super cool, his whole body isn't inside there but they believe that pieces of his bones are inside the tomb.
Christopher Columbus' Tomb!!! AH
Right next to the Cathedral is the "Giralda" Tower (The Bell Tower!) Similar to the Cathedral, before it was the Cathedral - some of the Giralda was destroyed. The part that was left standing is known as the "minaret."
La Giralda!
The Giralda is loved by everyone in Sevilla and one of Sevilla's most precious monuments, or at least that's my take on it! As the bells ring - the "duende," spirit of Sevilla roars loudly !!!!
When we finished our tour we were able to climb up to the top of the Giralda tower! Now, I'm not kidding it's a solid 15 minute hike all the way up to the top - thankfully it was a ramp and not stairs. I was EXHAUSTED!! Walking up, but it was definitely worth it. The view was absolutely stunning, and they had windows every couple ramp worths to take a view at all different heights.
View of Sevilla from the top!!!! IN LOVE!
Where I walk for school everyday.. Just a different angle, haha!
The beautiful Cathedral itself! The architecture is gorgeous
Video from the view at the top :)
My breath was completely taken away when we reached the top - an incredible ariel view of Sevilla - I could see "La Plaza de Toros" "La Plaza de Espana" and so much more from up there - it just put it into perspective just how high we were! Not to mention I got to see the intricate details of the Cathedral being up so high and close. I got to hear the bells ring from up there. It had to be another one of my favorite days here in Sevilla.
A city full of love and life - waiting and wanting to be discovered by those whom have not traveled it.
'Ta Luego,
Ayla
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