Seville used to be the capital of the Moorish culture centuries ago. Today the Moorish influence is still visible in the largest city of Andalusia – from the majestic Giralda tower (which is influenced by the Koutoubia Tower in Marrakech) to the beautiful squares in Maria Luisa Park.
We start with La Casa de Pilatos (meaning the House of Pilate) which is a 16th century ‘Moorish inspired’ palace in Seville. It may not be as big and impressive as Alcázar but it is a nice start for a tour around the Moorish sites in Seville. The fact that Casa de Pilatos is not as big as Alcazar and less popular has its advantages – mainly, it is less crowded, so you can take your time to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful architecture.
flickr/kkmarais
Casa de Pilatos
The next site to visit, which can be seen from Casa de Pilatos, is the 104 meter tall Giralda bell tower. It used to be a minaret from which the Moors were called for prayers. Built in the 12th century, the tower was inspired by the famous Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and later replicas of Giralda were made all over Europe and America.
flickr/ACC88
Giralda bell tower
Next to Giralda tower is the Seville Cathedral, turn left at the cathedral and walk some 200 meters down PL. del Triunfo where you will reach the ultimate tourist site in Seville which is also part of the Moorish legacy – Alcázar. The Moors built it as a fort which later became a royal palace, and today it is the oldest still active royal palace in Europe. It is one of the finest examples of the architecture style of the Moors – mudejar.
flickr/Leticia Ayuso
Alcazar
Plaza de España is situated in Maria Luisa Park and was constructed in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. You may be wondering what a park built in the beginning of the 20th century has to do with the Moorish legacy in Andalusia. The park was actually primarily influenced by Moorish culture, style and architecture. There are many features of Plaza de España such as the fountains, the buildings, even the palm trees that remind visitors of the days when Seville was a Moorish city centuries ago.
flickr/Ignacio García
Plaza de España
flickr/Andres Sañudo
Plaza de América
Plaza de América is another very interesting ‘Moorish influenced’ square built in Seville for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. The square is surrounded by three really beautiful and impressive buildings, one of which is the Neo Mudejar Museum of Popular arts and Customs. Plaza de América is also famous for its white pigeons, which were a gift for the Exposition.
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