Cathedral of Sevilla

Ads

Sponsored Links

Cathedral of Seville is one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world. It was built in the 15th century on the site of a mosque dating from the 12th century. Inside the cathedral there is a spectacular shrine of gold, Retablo Mayor. Today it is one of the symbols of Seville, a tourist attraction visited by many tourists every year. Cathedral of Seville rises beside the Giralda tower, the only standing remains of the old mosque, an important landmark of the city of Seville today. Regardless the religious affinities, Cathedral of Seville is a masterpiece that should be definitely visited if you are in town.

Cathedral construction began in the early part of 15th century on the site of a mosque built by the Moors in the 12th century. The mosque was destroyed by an earthquake in July of 1401. It was later decided to build a great cathedral over the ruins of the mosque. Those who have decided it is said to have said "We will build a church so big that people who will see it completed will consider us crazy."

In 1248, shortly after the Christian reconquest of the city, the mosque was elevated to the rank of cathedral. After the earthquake most of the old mosque collapsed but parts of it remained standing, including the minaret, which today is the bottom part of the famous cathedral tower - Giralda - and the Patio de los Narajos, a large yard.

Building of the new church began in 1402 on the basis of the draft of Alonso Martinez, and construction was completed in 1517. The titanic work inside the church was finished only in the 20th century. Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It has five large naves. The building is 126 meters long and 83 wide, while the roof reaches a height of 37 meters.

Inside the cathedral of Seville is truly wonderful, with many chapels, a great chorus, remarkable arches and windows. Among the chapels to be seen there are the Royal Chapel, Chapel of St Peter and St Anthony Chapel. They have some superb paintings dating from the 16th century. But what really should be seen in the Cathedral of Seville is the beautiful carved altar and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. More famous graves can be found in the crypt under the altar, where the Christian kings and queens of 13th and 14th centuries have been buried. Cathedral Museum exhibits a number of valuable paintings, but also a large silver ark.

The most spectacular part of the interior of Seville Cathedral is undoubtedly Retablo Mayor, the golden altar of the church, the main chapel. This masterpiece was designed by the Flemish master Peter Dancart who worked 44 years at the current reliefs on the altar since 1482. The altar was finally completed in 1564 with other artists. A crib erected between 1518 and 1532 separate visitors to the shrine. Retablo Mayor, the largest shrine in the world, consists of 36 parts carved in relief depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the lives of saints. At the altar, in front of a wall there is the gold statue of Santa Maria to Sede, who patronizes the Cathedral.

Sponsored Links