La puerta principal de la aljama almohade de Išbīliya

Abstract

This paper establishes the essential dates of the “Puerta del Perdon” (Pardon Portal) as the main door of the congregational mosque of Isbīliya, European capital of the Almohad empire. Nowadays it is the main entrance to the “Patio de los Naranjos” (“Cloister of orange trees”) of the Seville cathedral. This analysis is based on the observations gathered during the restoration works, ended in 2014. This paper contains archaeological research data, documents from several archives, together with translations of the Almohad chronicles. We collect literary and graphic information about all the Islamic elements identified, establishing hypotheses about the original monument and fixing its chronology in five essential stages: construction of the prayer room and “Patio” general outline (1172-1182), structural reforms in the courtyard related with the begin of Giralda minaret (1184-1188), completion of the minaret and decorative reform of the building, including the bronze doors of the “Puerta” (1188-1198), construction of a Moorish balcony over the Gate (1433-1496 century) and finally construction of a bell gable and its decorative completion (1578-1580).