Did you know that the columns on Rábida Street hold ancient secrets?
These imposing columns are not merely architectural adornments; they are silent witnesses of the time when Seville was part of the vast Roman Empire. Made of stone, these columns have withstood the test of time, surviving changes, modernization, and even the demolition of buildings that once stood beside them. They stand tall as a living testimony to Seville’s glorious past, its many transformations, and its ability to preserve fragments of its oldest history.
The traces of an ancient church
The columns on Rábida Street are not mere archaeological fragments; they were once part of the structure of the ancient Church of Santa Cruz. This church was built on the site of a synagogue, until the tragedy of the The Massacre of 1391, also known as the pogroms of 1391 shook the Jewish community of Seville. With the expulsion and subsequent religious transformation, what was once a sacred space for the city’s Jews became a Christian temple, which also disappeared over the centuries. During the Napoleonic invasion in the 19th century, the church was finally demolished, but its relics, such as the columns, have survived the passage of time.
Each of these columns holds a piece of that historical memory, reflecting the successive religious and cultural transformations of the city. In a way, they are witnesses to the coexistence and conflict of civilizations, religions, and ways of life that have profoundly shaped Seville’s character over the centuries.
The fate of the columns after the demolition
After the demolition of the church, the columns were forgotten for years. However, in 1930, they were rescued and relocated to their current location on Rábida Street, near the San Telmo Gardens.
Although they may go unnoticed in many people’s daily routines, these columns are much more than mere decorative elements of the urban landscape. Understanding their origin and their journey through the centuries reveals the weight of history they carry. Each crack in the stone, each wear caused by wind and rain, is a testament to their long life and the historical moments they have witnessed.
A symbol of the millennial Seville
The columns of Calle Rábida, in their imposing stillness, remind us that Seville is a city that breathes history. Not only through its great monuments or its well-known squares, but also through less obvious details, such as these columns that stand discreetly in the midst of modernity. They symbolise the eternal Seville, a city that has been shaped by the influence of different cultures and civilisations, that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, religious transformations, and yet still keeps its ancient spirit alive.
By taking a moment to contemplate these columns, we can connect with that millennial Seville, a city that has witnessed so many stories, and understand that, at its core, Seville continues to beat with the same strength as before. Every corner, every fragment of stone, is the memory of a city that has never ceased to be grand, and through these architectural symbols, invites us to rediscover its immense historical legacy.
