In addition to structures that were reused by the Christians in building their immense cathedral, Islamic patterns were preserved as seen in the door to the Patio de los Naranjos. The vegetal door handle and geometric shapes containing Arabic calligraphy are motifs that have been seen in various media throughout the Mediterranean and Islamic areas.
The interior decoration of the cathedral belies the religious tension within the population of the city as anti-Judaic images are found carved in the choir. In addition, geometric patterns are used profusely in this area of the cathedral. The balance between Christians, Muslims, and Jews was shifting as the idea of convivencia was dying out and Christians fought for more control.3
The Sevilla Cathedral (1172 – 1568) originally functioned as a mosque under the Almohad rule (mid 12th century – 1212). After the Christians won control of Seville (1248) they transformed the large mosque into a cathedral in 1401. The cathedral uses a 5 aisle plan, preserving the sprawling plan of the original mosque. El Patio de los Naranjos, la Puerta del Perdon, and la Giralda were part of the original mosque, complete with fountains, water channels in the ground, and horseshoe arches. La Giralda, the minaret, retains the Islamic screen pattern made of stucco, as well as the polylobed arches.1
