The pride of the Spanish city of Seville, its symbol is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Cede, the largest Gothic temple in the world. It began to be built in 1401 on the site of the former Great Mosque of the Caliph Abu Yakub, who remained after the expulsion of the Moors from Spain. But in terms of size, the Catholic Cathedral did not surpass the Arab religious building.
The City Council of Seville began to build the cathedral in 1401. For this, the remains of the mosque were dismantled. The gigantic dimensions of the Arabian building inspired the creation of a grandiose cathedral that could never be surpassed.
The cathedral was built over 100 years. During this time, what happened often in the medieval era happened to him - a mixture of architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Muslim. The 56-meter ceiling is supported by 40 powerful columns. Light penetrates through 93 tall stained glass windows. A wide central nave is shared by the main chapel, fenced on three sides by a wrought-iron grate. The chapel houses the altar iconostasis - the most ambitious in Spain. Behind the main chapel is the royal chapel, which was built in 1575. There are the tombs of the Spanish kings, including Alfonso X the Wise and Peter I the Cruel.
There is also a statue of the human size of the Royal Madonna, the patroness of Seville. The figure was carved from cedar in the 13th century. In the beginning, her hair was made of gold threads, a golden crown flaunted on her head. Inside was a mechanism, and the statue turned its head. Believers did not take their eyes off her and prostrated themselves. Later, golden hair was replaced by silk threads, the crown disappeared without a trace, and the mechanism deteriorated. But attention to the Royal Madonna has not diminished. She is still revered and believed in her ability to patronize the city.
The main treasure of the sacristy is the 16th century silver donor - a three-meter ark, decorated with sculptures and ornaments. Near the main sacristy on the wall hangs a 16-meter canvas of Mateo Perez de Alesio, on which St. Christopher smuggles the little Christ across the river. Near the tomb of the great traveler - Christopher Columbus.
In 1987, Seville Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
