Catedral de Sevilla

About

Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is a monumental masterpiece that blends Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance styles, making it the largest cathedral in Spain and one of the largest churches in the world. Originally a 12th‑century Almohad mosque, the city’s mosque was converted into a church after the Reconquista, and the great hall was expanded during the 15‑th and 16‑th centuries to accommodate the growing population of Seville under the Habsburgs. The soaring nave, the towering Giralda bell tower and the ornate royal chapels combine to create an awe‑inspiring venue that is both a place of worship and a living museum of Iberian art and architecture. Visitors enter through the grand western façade, where the iconic Giralda rises from the former minaret to become a symbol of Seville. Inside, the nave measures 135 m in length and over 30 m in height, while the ceilings are decorated with painted stuccos and frescoes that date from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Among the most remarkable works is the Giralda roof, accessed by a long staircase that offers sweeping views of the city. The cathedral also houses the Royal Chapel, where the tombs of the House of Trastámara and the Thirty‑Three Kings are enshrined, together with the Patio de los Naranjos – a courtyard that preserves the sahn of the original mosque. An audio guide is available in several languages, making the site accessible to visitors of all ages and interests. The cathedral’s acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts, and its open courtyards host daily masses and traditional Spanish “cantos”.

Highlights

• Giralda Bell Tower
• Royal Chapel
• Patio de los Naranjos

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours