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.
In the 14th century the original bronze spheres at the top of the tower were replaced by Christian symbols. Its current appearance dates back to 1568 when Hernán Ruiz added the magnificent belfry. Surprisingly, the Renaissance style of the belfry blends in harmoniously with the moorish base.