Construction was started on La Giralda in 1184 and lasted for twelve years. When completed in 1196, the top of the tower didn't look like it does today. It was used to call Moors to prayer and also as an astronomical observatory. In 1198 four brightly polished copper spheres were added by the Moors to the top of the tower. The reflecting sunlight from the balls was so brilliant the city made its presence known for miles. When the copper spheres were destroyed by an earthquake in 1356, they were replaced (in 1400 A.D.) by Christian religious features (cross and bell). The present bell room at the top was added to the tower in 1560, with construction ending in 1568AD.
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