Seville Cathedral

About Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, known to everyone as Seville Cathedral, is the largest Gothic church in the world. When it was finished in the early 16th century, it became the biggest cathedral on Earth, taking the title from Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which had held it for a thousand years.

The Gothic section is 126 metres long and 76 metres wide, and the central nave soars to 36 metres. It was built on the site of the city's great mosque, of which the orange tree courtyard and the former minaret, the famous Giralda, survive. In 1987 the cathedral joined the UNESCO list together with the Alcázar and the Archive of the Indies.

What to see inside

• The main altarpiece — a huge carved retablo covered in gold.
• The naves — a forest of columns and vaults as high as a 12-storey building.
• The Giralda — a climb up the bell tower by ramps.
• The Orange Tree Courtyard — the former mosque's patio with a fountain.
• The treasury and sacristy — church silver and paintings.
• Painted chapels — works by Murillo and other masters.

The main altarpiece and naves

The cathedral's great wonder is the main altarpiece, or retablo: a vast carved wall of hundreds of saints and Bible scenes, all covered in gold. Several generations of craftsmen worked on it, and it's considered one of the largest altarpieces in the world. You could study its details for hours, especially with binoculars or a camera zoom.

Inside, the scale is overwhelming: five naves lined with massive columns, stained glass, a choir with carved stalls and dozens of side chapels. The chapels hold paintings by Seville's artists, above all Murillo, while the sacristy and treasury display silver monstrances and festive church plate.

The Giralda and Orange Tree Courtyard

Climbing the Giralda is part of the visit. Instead of stairs, the tower has ramps, so the climb is easy even if you're not especially fit. From the top you see the old town's rooftops, the Alcázar and the Guadalquivir river.

Afterwards, step into the Orange Tree Courtyard, the former mosque's patio, with neat rows of orange trees and an old fountain in the middle. It offers fine views of the Gothic walls and bell tower. You leave through the Puerta del Perdón, an arch surviving from the mosque.

Tips for your visit

Arrive at opening time, when there are fewer people and the light in the naves is softer. Seville summers are scorching, but the cathedral stays cool, so it's a good choice for the hottest part of the day. Cover your shoulders and knees, or you may be turned away.

The cathedral sits next to the Alcázar and the Archive of the Indies, so all three UNESCO sites fit easily into one day. Book the Alcázar ahead too: the cathedral in the morning, the palace and gardens after lunch.

To see the cathedral without crowds, attend an evening service: the tourist route is closed, but you can stand in the nave and listen to the organ. Photography isn't allowed during services.

Places in Seville: compare and choose

Places in Seville rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

45

Giralda

Seville, Spain

40 min · With cathedral ticket · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Giralda

44

Archive of the Indies

Seville, Spain

45 min · Free · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Archive of the Indies

50

Alcázar of Seville

Seville, Spain

2 h 30 min · Paid · 4 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Alcázar of Seville

44

Metropol Parasol

Seville, Spain

1 h · Paid · 15 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Metropol Parasol

How to do it right

• Book a timed ticket online.
• The Giralda is included.
• Head inside in the heat.
• Dress modestly.

Questions