La Giralda de L’Arboç

The Giralda of Seville, bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville is famous. The one in L’Arboç, less so.

Whereas the Giralda tower of Seville was begun in 1184 by the then Muslim rulers of Spain, and was designed by mathematician and astronomer Jabir ibn Aflah, La Giralda de L’Arboç is of more humble, though no less moneyed origins. 

Built by the wealthy Joan Mari Roquer, founder of Teatro Romea in Barcelona, it was constructed as a residence for his new wife - and heiress to a fortune - Negrevernis Candelaria Lasala. Based on photographs taken during their honeymoon, it is a smaller replica of the one in Seville. 

However whereas the one in Seville has nearly a thousand years of history, has acted as both a mosque and a cathedral and is a draw for thousands of holy tourists, La Giralda de L’Arboç is likely to be in the future part of a convention center. 

On the plus side, you can currently be married in the space, which promises “a little gem that leaves no indifferent centenarian who passed around a replica of the Giralda in Seville” and a “palace is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and a gazebo which overlooks a fantastic landscape. An incomparable and different where celebrate your bond, an outstanding spot for an unforgettable day.”