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Seville is the artistic, cultural, and
financial capital of southern Spain. It
is the capital of Andalusia and of the
province of Sevilla, ranking as the
fourth-largest metropolitan area of
Spain.
The city's cathedral was built from
1401–1519 after the Reconquista on the
former site of the city's mosque. It is
the largest of all medieval and Gothic
cathedrals, in terms of both area and
volume. The Cathedral reused some
columns and elements from the mosque,
and most famously the Giralda,
originally a minaret, was converted into
a bell tower. It is topped with a statue,
known locally as La Giraldilla,
representing Faith. The Giralda is the
city's most famous symbol.
The Alcázar facing the cathedral is the
city's old Moorish Palace; construction
started in 1181, and continued for over
500 years, mainly in Mudéjar style, but
also in Renaissance. Its gardens are a
blend of Moorish Andalusian and
Christian traditions.
The Torre del Oro was built by the
Almohad dynasty as watchtower and
defensive barrier on the river. A chain
was strung through the water from the
base of the tower to prevent boats from
traveling into the river port.
The Town Hall, built in the 16th century
in Plateresque Style by Diego de Riaño.
The Façade to Plaza Nueva was built in
the 19th century in Neoclassical style.
The Parque Maria Luisa was built for the
1929 Exposición Ibero-Americana World's
Fair, and remains landscaped with
attractive monuments and museums. |
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