Seville Cathedral — About, History, Tours & Visitor Info (2025)

Step inside Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla), the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO site. Learn its story from mosque to cathedral, climb the Giralda, see the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and plan the best tours and tickets for your visit.

About Seville Cathedral

Built in the 15th–16th centuries on the site of Seville’s former Great Mosque, Seville Cathedral is famed for its soaring Gothic nave, lavish chapels, and the iconic Giralda—a former 12th-century Almohad minaret later crowned with a Renaissance bell tower. Inside, don’t miss the monumental Retablo Mayor (main altarpiece) and the Patio de los Naranjos, the orange-tree courtyard that preserves the mosque layout.

The cathedral complex symbolizes centuries of Andalusian history—Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque— layered in one place and recognized by UNESCO alongside the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias.

Why It’s Special

Seville Cathedral is widely regarded as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Its rich art, gilded woodwork, and historic tombs offer a deep dive into Spain’s Golden Age.

  • The Giralda ramp climb with sweeping city views.
  • The vast nave and the glittering Retablo Mayor.
  • The serene Patio de los Naranjos, echoing the mosque courtyard.

Where It Fits in Your Seville Plan

Located in the historic Santa Cruz district, the cathedral pairs perfectly with the Royal Alcázar, Barrio Santa Cruz lanes, and rooftop viewpoints.

Good pairing: Morning Cathedral & Giralda, lunch in Santa Cruz, then the Alcázar in the afternoon (or book a combo guided tour to streamline entry).

Brief History & Timeline

From mosque to cathedral—key moments that shape your visit:

  • 12th century — Almohad rulers build the Great Mosque of Seville with its minaret (now the Giralda).
  • 1248 — After the Christian conquest, the mosque is repurposed for worship; the courtyard survives as the Patio de los Naranjos.
  • 1401–1506 — Construction of the Gothic cathedral to reflect Seville’s prosperity.
  • 16th century — Renaissance additions, including the bell stage atop the Giralda.
  • 1987 — Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Alcázar and Archivo de Indias.
  • Today — A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a major pilgrimage for art, faith, and history.

Don’t miss: The tomb of Christopher Columbus near the transept—an evocative 19th-century monument borne by four heraldic figures.

Tours, Tickets & Smart Ways to Visit

Book timed tickets or guided tours to save time and add context. Popular options via GetYourGuide:

Cathedral & Giralda Guided Tour

Skip the line for the cathedral and climb the Giralda’s ramp to panoramic views, with expert commentary.

Cathedral + Alcázar Combo (Guided)

Cover Seville’s top two UNESCO sites efficiently with one guide, one meeting point, and reserved entries.

Giralda Tower Access

Prioritize the climb—gentle ramps instead of stairs—for a classic skyline lookout over Seville’s rooftops.

Santa Cruz Walking Tour Add-On

Wander the old Jewish quarter’s lanes and plazas to complete your historical picture after the cathedral.

Rooftop/Evening Experiences

Seasonal tours showcase lighting and music, or provide unique rooftop angles for photos when available.

Flexible Plans

Many options offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before—ideal if your timings may change.

Tip: Prime times sell out, especially weekends and holidays—reserve Giralda access early.

What You’ll See Inside

Highlights

Focus on a few masterpieces for a richer visit:

  1. Retablo Mayor — a colossal gilded altarpiece filled with biblical scenes.
  2. Tomb of Christopher Columbus — a dramatic 19th-century monument in the transept.
  3. Giralda — ascend the ramps for city-wide views without standard staircases.
  4. Patio de los Naranjos — tranquil courtyard from the mosque complex.
  5. Chapels & Treasury — art, reliquaries, and historic silverwork.

Atmosphere & Flow

The cathedral’s scale rewards a simple loop: nave → chapels → treasury → transept → courtyard → Giralda. Allow time for quiet pauses and upward looks—details are everywhere.

Photo tip: The Patio de los Naranjos offers softer light and calm framing for architecture shots.

Insider Tips

Best Time

Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter. Midday gets busy, especially in peak season.

Dress & Etiquette

It’s an active place of worship—dress modestly and speak softly. Tripods and flash are typically not allowed.

How Long You Need

60–90 minutes for the cathedral; add 30–45 minutes for the Giralda climb. Combo with Alcázar = a full day.

Accessibility

Interior routes are mostly level; the Giralda has ramps but it’s still a sustained ascent. Check the latest on-site guidance for mobility needs.

Visitor Cheatsheet — Seville Cathedral

Location

Avenida de la Constitución, heart of the Santa Cruz district, Seville.

Tickets

Timed entries are common; busy dates and Giralda access sell out—book ahead for preferred slots.

Getting There

Easy walk from central Seville; tram and buses stop nearby. Taxis/rideshares can drop along Avenida de la Constitución.

Bag Policy

Travel light; security screening is standard. Large tripods/flash generally disallowed.

Combine With

Royal Alcázar, Archivo de Indias, and Barrio Santa Cruz lanes.

Seasonality

Spring festivals and holidays increase crowds—reserve early and go off-peak hours if possible.

Ready to Plan Your Seville Cathedral Visit?

Secure Cathedral & Giralda tickets, or bundle with the Alcázar for a seamless UNESCO day in Seville.