Seville Cathedral

Stepping Back in Time

At the end of the 12th century, the mosque started to be built in the city. However, a century later when Seville was reconquered by the Christians, the building turned from a mosque to the Santa María church and cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See), with the mosque's minaret tower, the Giralda, being preserved.

The cathedral has 10 doors, the main one is called the Door of Assumption, and the oldest is the Door of Forgiveness, which is the only one that remains from the original mosque. The Door of the Prince, located in the beautiful Plaza del Triunfo square is one of the most used by visitors.

What to See in the Cathedral

A trip to the cathedral is one to be remembered, thanks to its large dimensions and incredible architecture and splendour.

This religious temple has a very rich and varied artistic heritage and some masterpieces from the history of painting can be seen within its walls. Below are a few of the main points of interest.

Main altarpiece: one of the most remarkable elements of the cathedral is the main altarpiece, which is the largest that exists in Christianity. This work of art, made out of polychrome wood, is over 1,300 square feet (400 square metres) and displays the figures of more than 200 saints.

Tomb of Christopher Columbus: this magnificent monument is one of the main attractions and focal points for visitors. The tomb is supported by four allegoric figures that represent the four kingdoms that Spain had during that time period.

A trip to the clouds: you can physically walk on the roof of the cathedral, with incredible views of the city from a very special perspective.

Court of the Oranges: the fact that this used to be a mosque can be clearly seen in this courtyard full of light and colour. It's the perfect place to relax under the shade of the trees while you admire the temple from the outside.

Giralda: the cathedral's bell tower is one of the most attractive and striking elements of the cathedral, and from it, there are excellent views of the rest of the city.

Impressive and Not to Be Missed

In 2010, the monumental complex made up of the Cathedral, the Real Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias was named by UNESCO as a place of Outstanding Universal Value. When exploring the city, the cathedral is a must-see and it always surprises visitors with its large proportions and wealth of decorative elements. 

The best way to see the cathedral is with a guided tour, and if you'd like to discover more of the city's monuments, you can visit the Alcázar, the Cathedral and the Giralda all at the same time.