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The “Virgen de los Olmos” in the Giralda became a great Marian devotion during the 15th and 16th centuries, and its history is linked to the old Corral de los Olmos, which housed the chapter meetings of the Cabildo before 1533.
The original image, an anonymous carving from the 14th century, was located in the main gate of this corral with large elm trees, which symbolized the strength of the believer before his Faith and the Scriptures.
When the corral was demolished in 1791, the image was installed in a niche on the east side of the Giralda. The image we see today is a replica from 1986, as the original was moved to the interior of the Cathedral after its restoration.
The Virgen de los Olmos is an unpainted alabaster sculpture, measuring 81x28x23 centimeters. The scene represents the maternal-filial relationship, following the iconographic model of the Hodegetria (Greek word meaning “she who guides the way”) or guiding Virgin, attributed to the evangelist Luke.
The Virgin wears elegant robes and holds the Child with her left arm. The Child, by touching her diadem in a childish gesture, alludes to the coronation of Mary. In addition, the Virgin carries a bouquet of flowers, of which we can highlight its reference to mercy.
The shared gaze between Mother and Son transmits tenderness and complicity, as expressed by the psalmist: “Mercy and happiness meet, justice and peace kiss” (Psalm 85, 11).
Currently, we can find it in the Baptismal Chapel, also known as the Chapel of San Antonio, on a marble capital.
