The Restoration of La Giralda: Eduardo Martínez Moya

Gain insights into the intricate process of preserving historic landmarks through a presentation on the recent restoration of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Architect-restorer Eduardo Martínez Moya will deliver a presentation on The Restoration of La Giralda on Thursday, June 19 at the Coral Gables Museum.

This event will offer an in-depth examination of the work completed on La Giralda, also known as the Bell Tower of Seville. La Giralda is a significant cultural, historical and artistic landmark for Seville, Andalusia, Spain and Europe, originally constructed as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville in the 12th century and later converted into a bell tower for the city's cathedral. Its distinctive blend of Almohad and Renaissance architectural styles has made it a symbol of the city and an inspiration for structures worldwide, including in South Florida.

Martínez Moya has been recognized with the 2024 Hispania Nostra Award in the category of Heritage Conservation as a Factor of Economic and Social Development for his extensive research, documentation, restoration and communication efforts concerning the Giralda's façades. His presentation will delve into the methodical approach taken during the restoration, which involved detailed wall-by-wall work by a team of craftsmen. The recent completion of the final phase in 2024 marks a new chapter in the tower's long history, with ongoing efforts to share the findings and processes of this preservation project.