Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla): A Visitor’s Guide

Contents

On This Page:
La Giralda (Bell Tower)
Patio de los Naranjos
Majestic Gothic Interior
Main Chapel (Capilla Mayor)
Side Chapels
Royal Chapel (Capilla Real)
Sacristy and Treasury
Where to Stay near Seville Cathedral for Sightseeing
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Seville Cathedral
What’s Nearby?
Calle de las Sierpes
Confitería La Campana
Address
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Nothing prepares visitors for the astounding sight of the Seville Cathedral. This glorious monument is Christendom’s largest church of Gothic style and the third-largest when compared to the Neoclassical Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Seville’s cathedral awes visitors with its sheer size and Gothic splendor. Its interior could easily fit a football stadium, and the 30-meter-tall main altarpiece is gilded with the finest gold brought back from the New World during the age of Christopher Columbus.

Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla): A Visitors Guide

A symbol of the Christian Reconquest over the Moors, the cathedral was constructed between 1401 and 1506 on the site of the town’s 12th-century Great Mosque. The cathedral has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its cultural and historic importance.

Visitors could spend a few hours discovering the grandiose sanctuary, the chapels adorned with masterpieces of Spanish painting, and the treasury containing precious religious objects. A highlight is the Giralda Tower, which affords sensational panoramic views of the city.

Learn about the artistic and architectural highlights of the Seville Cathedral. Our Visitor’s Guide provides historical context as well as practical tips, such as things to do in the area, so that you can get the most out of your sightseeing experience.

La Giralda (Bell Tower)

Formerly an Islamic minaret, this iconic Moorish tower is one of the few remaining elements of the original Great Mosque that was replaced by the cathedral.

The tower was built in the 12th century by Islamic rulers of the Almohad dynasty, who hailed from the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Architect Alí de Gómara designed the brick section of the tower, which exemplifies Mudéjar design with its decorative arched niches and geometric patterns.

At the time it was built, the 97-meter-high tower was the tallest monument in the world. Today, the tower stands as an emblem of the city’s multicultural heritage.

La Giralda functions as the cathedral’s bell tower. At the top is the 16th-century weather vane, an enormous (four meters high) bronze statue of a female figure bearing a cross to symbolize Faith.

Tourists may climb to the top of the tower to admire sensational city views.

Patio de los Naranjos

To arrive at the cathedral, visitors walk through the lovely Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of the Orange Trees). This delightful patio is entered through a fancifully decorated Moorish gate, the Puerta del Perdón, that was the main entrance to the mosque.

In the center of the patio is an octagonal fountain, a relic of the Islamic midha used for ritual washing before entering the mosque, a custom in the Muslim faith.

As the name suggests, the patio is planted with orange trees. During springtime when the flowers are in bloom, a heavenly fragrance of sweet citrus blossoms permeates the courtyard.

Majestic Gothic Interior

Visitors are awed by the immense proportions of this sumptuous Gothic sanctuary. The interior extends 117 meters in length, 76 meters in width, and soars to 40 meters in height. The five-aisled interior is laid out on a rectangular floor plan, and the space is notable for its beautiful lines and overall sense of harmony.

Illuminating the interior are 75 stained-glass windows dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. A decorative 16th-century reja (grille) encloses the choir, which boasts ornately carved Gothic stalls.

Not to be missed is the Tomb of Christopher Columbus in the south transept. This monument, created by Arturo Mélida in 1892, was originally built for the Cathedral of Havana in Cuba but was brought to Seville after the loss of Cuba in the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Main Chapel (Capilla Mayor)

Beyond the choir area of the main transept is the monumental Capilla Mayor, with its inspiring vaulted ceiling rising to a height of 36 meters.

The chapel’s magnificent main altarpiece creates a dazzling impression. A masterpiece of Gothic woodcarving, this massive retablo (30 meters high by 20 meters wide) features the Virgen de la Sede surrounded by scenes from the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin. Created between 1482 and 1564, this incredibly intricate work of art includes 44 reliefs and over 200 figures of saints.

The dazzling altarpiece is gilded with real gold brought back from the Americas; it’s a testimony to the rich heritage of the cathedral, which was built during the Age of Discovery (also considered the Golden Age of Spain), when Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, first to the islands of the Bahamas in the Caribbean and then to Central America.

Side Chapels

The side chapels of the Seville Cathedral contain an abundance of exquisite art treasures, opulent tombs, and stunning altarpieces.

Notable works include the Guardian Angel by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, displayed to the right of the Puerta Mayor, and another Murillo painting in the Capilla de San Antonio (in the second chapel in the North Aisle). The Saint Antonio Chapel also displays the Baptism of Christ and The Infant Christ appearing to Saint Anthony of Padua.

Among the finest sarcophagi found in the side chapels are the Gothic monument of Juan de Cervantes in the Capilla de San Hermenegildo and the Plateresque-style tomb of Archbishop Mendoza in the Capilla de la Antigua.

Royal Chapel (Capilla Real)

Behind the Capilla Mayor is the lavishly adorned Royal Chapel. Built in the 16th-century style, this splendid Renaissance chapel contains the royal tombs. An 18th-century grille surrounds the chapel, which has an exalted ambience worthy of the revered tombs found here.

The apse has two altars: one features a silver shrine with the relics of Saint Ferdinand; the other boasts a 13th-century figure of the Virgen de los Reyes, the Patron Saint of Seville.

Steps in the Royal Chapel lead down to the crypt.

Sacristy and Treasury

Entered through an antechamber from the Capilla Mayor, the Plateresque-style sacristy is a veritable museum of historic sacred art. The room contains a famous crucifix by Montañés, as well as celebrated paintings by Spanish masters Francisco de Goya, Luis de Morales, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Francisco de Zurbarán.

Within the sacristy is the treasury, a smaller chamber filled with precious religious art objects, including a large candelabrum and a crucifix by Pieter de Kempeneer. The treasury also displays a gem-adorned crown of the Virgen de los Reyes and the 13th-century Clave de Sevilla (Key of Seville).

Where to Stay near Seville Cathedral for Sightseeing

The Catedral de Sevilla is in the heart of the city’s historic center. Anywhere in the vicinity of the cathedral would be a great place for tourists to stay. This area of the Barrio Santa Cruz brims with old-world charm and delights visitors with its abundance of tapas bars, cafés, and restaurants. We recommend these highly rated hotels near the cathedral.

Luxury Hotels:

The Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla is just steps away from the cathedral. This charming four-star boutique hotel occupies a renovated 19th-century mansion with a traditional Andalusian central courtyard. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with city views and an outdoor swimming pool. Guest also appreciate the breakfast buffet and complimentary afternoon tea.
A short walk from the cathedral, the Eurostars Sevilla Boutique provides amazing outlooks onto La Giralda from its rooftop terrace. This four-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and café. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
About a 10-minute walk to the cathedral in the Barrio Alfalfa, the Corral del Rey provides stylish accommodations in a remodeled 17th-century palace that has retained its traditional character. Guests love the chic designer decor and modern amenities. Another highlight is the hotel’s sunny rooftop terrace with a snack bar.

Mid-Range Hotels:

The former residence of a famous American painter was converted into the four-star Hotel Palacio Alcázar , found on a picturesque fountain-adorned square just a five-minute walk from the cathedral. Single, double, and family rooms are available; all are decorated in an eclectic contemporary style. Boasting superb views, the hotel’s rooftop terrace features a sundeck and snack bar.
On a quiet street about a 10-minute walk to the cathedral, the Hotel Las Casas de El Arenal is housed in a historic building featuring traditional Andalusian architecture. This affordable four-star hotel offers 24-hour check-in, concierge services, and a rooftop terrace.
The Hotel Casa de Colón is a five-minute walk away from the cathedral in a bustling area near the Barrio Santa Cruz. This boutique hotel is housed in an 18th-century manor house that has been beautifully renovated. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the cathedral and La Giralda.

Budget Hotels:

Ideally located in the Barrio Santa Cruz, the two-star Hotel Goya is an affordable hotel with air-conditioned rooms and a friendly staff. This family-run hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and concierge services.
The Basic Hotel Sevilla Catedral occupies a renovated 18th-century building, located just 150 meters from the cathedral. The hotel offers bright, clean guest rooms with flatscreen televisions. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, and rooftop terrace.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Seville Cathedral

Avoid the Crowds: Arrive early, right when the cathedral opens, to beat the crowds. Monday through Saturday: the cathedral opens at 10:45am and closes at 5pm. On Sundays, the cathedral opens at 2:30pm and closes at 5pm.
Attend a Mass: The cathedral holds Mass several times daily. Mass celebrations with organ music take place on Sunday afternoons.
Tickets: Admission tickets to the cathedral include a free audio guide, as well as access to the treasury, La Giralda tower, and the Iglesia del Salvador at the nearby Plaza del Salvador.
Timing: Allow a couple of hours for a visit to the cathedral and additional time to climb to the top of the Giralda Tower (the spectacular views are worth it). Please note that the last entry is an hour before closing time.
Nighttime Magic: While the morning is the best time to visit the monuments (the interiors are only open during daytime), the evening has its charms. At nighttime, the facades of the cathedral and the Giralda tower are illuminated and have a magical ambience. It’s a wonderful experience to see the monument in the glow of evening.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the cathedral and the Giralda tower are available Monday through Thursday at 6pm and 8pm. There are also tours of the cathedral’s roofs; these tours are held frequently throughout the week.

What’s Nearby?

Calle de las Sierpes

The Seville Cathedral offers an immersion into the history and religious heritage of Spain. After this intense cultural and spiritual experience, tourists will welcome a break from sightseeing.

For a change of pace, one of the best places to visit is the quaint Calle de las Sierpes, north of the Plaza Nueva, to soak up the lively atmosphere. This pedestrian street is a fun place to go shopping in Seville. The street is lined with inviting little boutiques, as well as atmospheric cafés and restaurants.

Confitería La Campana

This elegant confectionary shop is a wonderful reward for weary tourists in need of a special treat. The Confitería La Campana offers a selection of tempting Andalusian confections such as candied oranges, figs, and pears, along with traditional Spanish pastries like Milhojas de Turrón (a creamy layer cake similar to a millefeuille) and sandwiches.

Address

Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, Seville