Towering Threat To Seville’s Heritage
The Spanish city of Seville could be in danger of losing its Unesco World Heritage status if it goes ahead with the building of a 600ft tower.
The city has approved plans for the controversial tower designed by Cesar Pelli, the Argentine architect, despite objections from UN culture chiefs who fear the new construction will have a detrimental effect on the city’s historic centre.
The centre includes the Gothic cathedral containing the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Alcázar, the Moorish palace built in the 14th century.
That skyline is now threatened by the construction of the new headquarters for a savings bank, Cajasol, less than a mile away on the opposite bank of the Guadalquivir river.
Work began at the site early this year and is scheduled for completion by end of 2011 after planning chiefs ignored a request by Unesco to delay construction until a thorough impact report could be completed.
The city is likely to be put on the World Heritage site endangered list when the organisation’s committee meets in Brasilia next month and could be removed all together if the proposal for the tower is not modified.
As I reported last year, the German city of Dresden became the first to be taken off the list after constructing a bridge over the river Elbe that ruined its beautifully conserved landscape.
by Andy Moreton
If you’re thinking of visiting Spain’s centre of bullfighting, Flamenco music and oranges, Luxique can secure the best rates at any one of nine luxury hotels in Seville.
