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   La Giralda  

La Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville, formally a minaret from the Almohad period. La Giralda is constructed in several distinct parts, the lower two thirds being Almohad architecture, and the upper third Spanish renaissance. A copper sphere originally topped the tower but fell in an earthquake in 1365. Christians replaced the sphere with a cross and bell.
Entrance to the tower is from inside the cathedral, to the left of the Capilla Real in the northeast corner.
The tower's inner construction is nearly as impressive as the outer. There are no stairs. Instead, there is a series of 35 gently inclined ramps that are wide enough to allow two guards on horseback to pass.

To the east of the Alcázar lies the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz, which in Arab times was the Jewish quarter (Judería). It is now a district of flower-decked squares and streets, with many attractive patios, bars and restaurants.