La Giralda Tower
In 1356, after the reconquest of Seville by the Christians, much of the mosque was destroyed by a large earthquake. Only two parts of the original structure survived unscathed, the Patio de los Naranjos (a courtyard) and the minaret. The rest of the building was replaced by a Gothic cathedral.The name of the tower - Spanish for weathervane - stems from the large vane at the top of the belfry, known as giraldillo. The large statue, depicting Faith, shows a woman in a classical Roman attire, holding a shield in the right hand and a palm in the left. The original vane is now installed near the entrance of the cathedral at the Puerta de San Cristobal.