There is a Spanish proverb that says, “Whom God favors he gives a
house in Seville.” The privilege of living in that bright, gay city is
considered by a Spaniard to be the height of happiness. Other cities
are larger, wealthier, or more important politically than Seville; but
none holds a higher place in the hearts of the Spanish people. When in
the beginning of the fifteenth century the old cathedral was damaged
by an earthquake, a meeting was held to discuss what should be done
to restore it. Then one proposed that, instead of repairing the old
church, they should build a new edifice, larger and more magnificent
than had ever been imagined. They planned a cathedral that should make
all who saw it wonder at the daring of those who began it. What the
public funds would not supply they agreed to furnish out of their own
purses.
Only 117 years were consumed in the erection of this wondrous
structure, which is a short time as old cathedrals go. After St.
Peter’s at Rome and the Mezquita at Cordova, it is the largest church
in the world. It is 414 feet long, 271 feet wide, and 100 feet high to
the top of the nave. The immense pillars, as you look down the church
between them, seem to diminish in the distance to the thickness of
reeds. Many another cathedral could stand inside the nave of this one.
There are numerous churches in the city; most of the older ones are
built on the foundations of mosques. The church of La Caridad has a
strange legend connected with it. Don Miguel de Manara, the founder,
had been a profligate in his youth, a sort of Don Juan, and was known
far and wide for his excesses. One night when he was returning home
alone he lost his way, and wandered about in a daze, unable to find his
home. In imagination he met a funeral procession, and stopping one of
the bearers inquired who it was that they were taking to eternal rest
at such an hour.
“Don Miguel de Manara,” he replied.
Greatly surprised at hearing his own name, Don Miguel uncovered the
face and saw there his own features. The procession immediately
vanished; but left him so deeply impressed that he was converted and
built a church and a hospital.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 31
COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.
[Illustration: VIEW OF ALHAMBRA. GRANADA, SPAIN]
_SPAIN AND GIBRALTAR_
_Siege of Granada_