Cathedral of Seville

Discover the Majesty of the Cathedral of Seville

Introduction

The Cathedral of Seville, officially the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1401 on the site of the former Almohad mosque, and the building was largely complete by the early 16th century. The cathedral complex includes the Giralda tower, the Patio de los Naranjos (Court of the Orange Trees), and the Royal Chapel. It draws millions of visitors each year and remains an active place of Catholic worship.

The Giralda Tower

The Giralda is the bell tower of the cathedral and one of the most recognisable structures in Seville. It was originally built as the minaret of the Almohad mosque in the late 12th century, modelled on the Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech. When the Reconquista brought Seville under Castilian rule in 1248, the mosque was repurposed as a church and the minaret was retained. The top section was rebuilt in a Renaissance style in the 16th century and crowned with a bronze weathervane figure called El Giraldillo, representing Faith, which gives the tower its name.

Climbing the Giralda is one of the highlights of any visit. Instead of stairs, the interior has a series of 35 ramps, wide enough to allow two horsemen to pass side by side. Alfonso X reportedly rode to the top on horseback. At roughly 104 metres, the summit offers panoramic views across Seville’s rooftops, the Alcazar gardens, and on clear days toward the Andalusian countryside. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the ascent and descent.

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Inside the cathedral, the tomb of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) is one of the most visited sites in Spain. Columbus died in Valladolid in 1506, and his remains have had a long and complicated journey. They were moved to Santo Domingo, then Cuba, and finally returned to Seville in 1898 following Cuban independence.

The tomb is an elaborate 19th-century monument designed by sculptor Arturo Melida. Four heralds representing the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon, and Navarre carry the coffin aloft on their shoulders. The two heralds at the front wear crowns, symbolising the kingdoms that funded the voyage of 1492. The monument stands in the southern transept, near the Puerta del Principe.

Genetic studies published in 2006, using DNA comparison with remains of Columbus’s son Hernando, confirmed that the Seville remains are consistent with being those of Christopher Columbus, though some dispute persists. Regardless, the tomb is a significant monument to one of the most consequential figures in the history of transatlantic exploration.

Other Highlights Inside the Cathedral

  • The Main Altarpiece (Retablo Mayor): The largest altarpiece in the world, carved from gilded wood and depicting 45 scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It took nearly 100 years to complete, from 1482 to 1564.
  • The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real): A separate Renaissance chapel at the east end of the cathedral, housing the remains of King Ferdinand III of Castile (canonised as a saint) and Queen Beatrice of Swabia. The chapel is still used for religious services and has restricted visiting hours.
  • The Treasury (Sacristia Mayor): Contains an outstanding collection of religious art including paintings by Zurbarán, Murillo, and Goya, as well as historic liturgical objects.
  • The Chapter House (Sala Capitular): An elliptical room with a ceiling painted by Murillo, used for meetings of the cathedral chapter and considered one of the finest Renaissance interiors in Spain.
  • Patio de los Naranjos: The courtyard that was once used for ritual ablutions before entering the mosque. Rows of orange trees line the space and a Moorish fountain remains at its centre. Entry is free and the courtyard is a quiet spot away from the main crowds.

Visiting Practicalities

The cathedral is open to tourists Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays when morning services take priority. Monday mornings are generally free for EU citizens. Ticket prices change periodically, so check the official cathedral website before your visit. Combined tickets that include the Giralda are standard; a separate ticket is sometimes available for the Patio de los Naranjos only.

Queues can be long, especially in spring and summer. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended. Dress requirements are enforced: shoulders and knees must be covered. The cathedral is large and audio guides are worth considering if you want detail on the paintings and chapels.

Where to Eat

Seville has a strong tradition of tapas, and the streets around the cathedral are well supplied.

  • La Azotea: A rooftop restaurant serving contemporary Andalusian dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
  • El Pinton: A tapas bar a short walk from the cathedral offering a broad selection of small plates and regional wines.
  • Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas): A long-standing bar on Calle Rodrigo Caro, popular with locals and visitors alike for its traditional tapas.
  • Mercado de Triana: A covered market across the Guadalquivir in the Triana neighbourhood, with food stalls serving fresh produce, seafood, and cooked dishes.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Doña Maria: A 4-star boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century building close to the cathedral.
  • Hotel Palacio de los Duques: A luxury property offering well-appointed rooms in a historic setting.
  • Hostal Los Olivos: A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a central location.

Activities and Day Trips

  • Royal Alcazar (Real Alcazar): Immediately south of the cathedral, this is one of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe. Its Mudejar architecture, intricate tilework, and formal gardens make it a full half-day visit at minimum.
  • Santa Cruz neighbourhood: The old Jewish quarter directly adjacent to the cathedral. The narrow streets, shaded plazas, and tiled facades reward slow exploration on foot.
  • Metropol Parasol (Las Setas): A large contemporary wooden structure in the Plaza de la Encarnacion, with a rooftop walkway offering views over the old city.
  • Guadalquivir River: A walk along the Paseo de Cristobal Colon toward the Torre del Oro gives a sense of Seville’s maritime history. The Torre del Oro houses a small naval museum.
  • Flamenco: Seville is one of the principal cities for flamenco. Several tablaos in the historic centre offer evening performances; booking ahead is advisable.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Book tickets in advance, particularly for peak season (March to June and September to October).
  • Arrive early to beat the morning tour groups and enjoy quieter conditions inside the cathedral.
  • Combine visits: the Alcazar and the Archive of the Indies (directly adjacent to the cathedral) share the same UNESCO designation and can be seen on the same day.
  • Check service times: the Royal Chapel closes during religious services, so plan accordingly if it is a priority.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: the cathedral floor is uneven in places and the Giralda ramps, while broad, involve a significant amount of walking.

The Cathedral of Seville rewards time and attention. Whether your primary interest is Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, the history of exploration, or the legacy of Moorish Iberia, the building contains enough material to fill a long visit and leave a lasting impression.