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Seville Cathedral

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Seville Cathedral (Spain)

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The Seville Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is the largest Gothic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Construction began in 1401 on the site of the former Almohad Great Mosque, which had been consecrated as a cathedral after the city's conquest in 1248. The builders famously stated their intent to create a temple so magnificent that future generations would think them mad. One of its most iconic features is the Giralda bell tower, which originally served as the minaret for the mosque and stands as a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. Inside, the cathedral houses the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus and the massive Retablo Mayor, considered the largest altarpiece in Christendom, featuring over a thousand carved figures. The structure also encompasses the Patio de los Naranjos, a surviving element of the original mosque's courtyard, providing a tranquil space amidst the grand architectural complex. Today, it remains a focal point of religious life in Seville and a symbol of the city's historical wealth and cultural fusion.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91013162025292924191310
Rain mm484958532851324717157

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Seville Cathedral is open daily to visitors with an entrance fee. The interior is huge, with Columbus’s tomb chapel and the Giralda as main highlights.
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Typical hours
Regular opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10:45 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Public holidays often have varied hours; check beforehand.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash; the colourful windows and gilded altarpiece are photogenic. From the Giralda, panoramic shots of the city are possible.
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Time needed
A visit to the cathedral including the Giralda climb takes about two hours. Allow an additional half hour for the attached museum and Patio de los Naranjos.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Alcázar of Seville, located right opposite. The narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Jewish quarter and the Metropol Parasol are also nearby.
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Getting there
The cathedral is in the heart of the old town, easily reachable on foot from the church square. The nearest metro stations are Puerta de Jerez and Plaza Nueva, about 10 minutes away.
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Insider tip
Buy your ticket online to avoid long queues at the ticket office. Climbing the Giralda is worth it for the view - it is via ramps, not stairs.

Geography

Coordinates
37.38580, -5.99310

Facts

  • The cathedral was built between 1401 and 1506.
  • The Giralda is 104 meters high and features 35 ramps instead of stairs.
  • The Retablo Mayor is 20 meters high and 18 meters wide.
  • Christopher Columbus was definitively interred in the cathedral in 1899.
  • The central nave is 42 meters high, the tallest in Spain.
  • The cathedral features 80 chapels and 15 portals.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Alcázar of SevilleAlcázar of Seville<1 km · SEExplore →
Guadalquivir BasinGuadalquivir Basin2 km · NExplore →
TomaresTomares5 km · WExplore →
San Juan de AznalfaracheSan Juan de Aznalfarache5 km · SWExplore →
BormujosBormujos7 km · WExplore →
GinesGines7 km · WExplore →
ItalicaItalica8 km · NWExplore →
Mairena del AljarafeMairena del Aljarafe8 km · SWExplore →

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Sights in the town Seville Cathedral (10)

Cathedral of Seville

Catholic cathedral in Seville, built on the site of a former mosque.

🕒 Mo-Sa 11:00-17:00; Su 14:30-18:00♿💶

Tumba de Cristóbal Colón

Tomb of Christopher Columbus located inside the Cathedral of Seville.

Museum and Treasury of Seville🏛 museum

Museum displaying religious art and liturgical objects from the cathedral.

💶

Capilla Real

Royal chapel in Seville containing tombs of monarchs.

Sevilla Oficialtours

A tour operator offering guided visits in Seville.

La Giralda🗼 tower

Bell tower of Seville Cathedral, a landmark of the city.

Cabildo Catedral

Chapter house of Seville Cathedral used for administrative purposes.

Capilla del Sagrario

Church building in Seville, serving as a chapel.

General Archive of the Indies🏛 museum

Historical archive holding documents about the Spanish colonial empire.

Palacio Arzobispal🏰 castle

Archbishop's palace in Seville, a listed cultural property.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is it the largest church in the world?
It is the largest Gothic church and the third-largest cathedral in the world.
Whose tomb is located in the cathedral?
The monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus.
What is the Giralda?
The bell tower of the cathedral, which was originally built as a minaret.
Are there stairs in the Giralda?
No, there are 35 ramps so that the muezzin could ride up on horseback.
How much is the entrance fee?
Standard entry costs about 11-12 euros (includes the Giralda).
Seville Cathedral: where is it located?
Seville Cathedral is located in Galicia, Spain.
Seville Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of Seville, Tumba de Cristóbal Colón, Museum and Treasury of Seville.
Seville Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Seville Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Seville Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is the largest Gothic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
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