Catedral de Sevilla

Seville cathedral is a place par excellence, above anything else than being one place that has attracted people from similar and quite diverse religious and worshipping practices, over centuries. The origins travel themselves back to a Visigothic Roman church that was the epicentre of religious activity in the bustling town of Hispalis. When Abder Rehman l took over Al Andalus as the Caliph, Seville fell under his command and he laid the foundations of the then Great Mosque of Cordoboa at the site. Various Islamic rulers added their individual flavour to the citadel, but most of the important works in and around were achieved under Al Mohads. The Great Mosque found its Great Minaret, the modern day Giralda, under them. City walls were fortified and architecture was immensely extended. Seville fell to the successful reconquista by Ferdinand lll of Castile in 1248. Legend has it that Ferdinand took the keys of the citadel, the then capital of Al Mohad empire, together with Marrakesh; he entered the Great Mosque, and chose the original Minbar as a dedication to Santa Maria, the Patron Saint of much of Andalucia. The keys to Seville are kept in Sacristy hall at the cathedral. The original entrance to the Mosque stands today much to its original character, but as the formal exit gate of the Cathedral complex. Here you can appreciate the original Arabic scripted tall wooden gates in black, against beautifully striking ochre painted Moorish arch, and leading to the ablution garden , which today is the orangery. Here you can appreciate original Roman water features, used once for ablution purposes. Today they serve as mere fountains and continue to add to the beauty of the place. The outer court retains much of its original Al Andalus character. Much of the rest of yesterdecades' Mosque has disappeared , as under Catholic control the Mosque was taken down and a beautiful Gothic Cathedral was laid down, with various monarchs adding layers to it. Giralda tower, the original Minaret of the Great Mosque, still stands tall and proud, with its beautiful old brick path that leads up to the top, where stunning bell's hang today. It forms the bell tower of the Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral, there is stunning tall columns, beautiful art works, paintings, decorative objects, spectacularly stained glass windows. There are nooks and corners holding relics from over the years. Christopher Colimbus rests here in his sarcophagus, being carried on the shoulders of four soldiers, representing the four kingdoms, Castille, Aragon, Navarre and Leon. You can roam about the Sacristy and behold the beautiful gold and silver that is often used for formal ceremonies and regular prayer. the Western Gate usually remains closed and opens on special days such as Easter. The organs, the Nave, the monuments, I could write more, but if you take a keen interest in history and culture, find yourself a ticket and turn up, find a quiet spot here and just sit and think about the power of prayer of so many souls , that would have used it, and continue to worship here today. May it's diverse , rich and deep history teach us all to thrive peacefully and 'love thy neighbour' , much to the truth of the religions that it holds so dear in its foundations.