The sheer size of the Catholic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla) may leave you momentarily overwhelmed. The wealthy councilors who commissioned the building in the early 1400s intended it to be so grand that future visitors would question the sanity of the cathedral’s founders.
Enter through the Puerta de San Cristóbal at the southern facade. Look to your right after passing through reception to see the tomb of explorer Christopher Columbus. Four giant figures, each one representing a different conquered kingdom, hold the tomb aloft.
From here you’ll pass into the central nave, where you’ll gain an appreciation of the cathedral’s impressive dimensions. At 137 foot (42 meters) high, the area is left mostly empty, which only serves to heighten the sense of grandeur. Cast your eyes to the side aisles, where intricate carvings and statues are embellished in dazzling gold. Make your way to the main nave, the Capilla Mayor, where you’ll find the giant Gothic altarpiece, believed to be the largest in the world. It has 45 scenes of the life of Christ containing over 1,000 figures carved in wood and is decorated with gold.
Don’t miss the two main sacristies: the Sacristía Mayor and the Sacristía de los Cálices. These rooms display silverware, ancient skulls and the keys given to Fernando by the Jewish and Moorish communities when he conquered the city. Artwork includes Goya’s masterpiece Saints Justa and Rufina.
Seville Cathedral is located in the city’s historic district, the Old Town, on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. The church is open to the public every day, though hours are reduced on Sundays. There is a small charge for entry, and audio guides are available. To avoid the long lines to enter the cathedral, consider visiting in the afternoon.
Seville Cathedral Tours
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See all 373 activitiesOpens in new tabSeville, Alcázar,Cathedral-Giralda Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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See all 88 activitiesOpens in new tabSeville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater
Wildlife & nature
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabJerez & Cádiz: Wine, Horses & Lights Full-Day Tour from Seville
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See all 63 activitiesOpens in new tabSeville Electric Bike Small Group Tour
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See all 21 activitiesOpens in new tabSeville: Exclusive River Boat Tour with Tapas
Reviews of Seville Cathedral
5/5 - Excellent
Must see! Book in advance a visit to the Roof Tops, it's guided and worth it with amazing city views and insider information.
2/5 - Disappointing
This is the first cathedral we've visited that was so overcrowded it was uncomfortable. The whole experience felt like a Disney line. And it was disappointing at how monetized it felt---no part felt like I was in a holy space. I normally love visiting cathedrals and was so disappointed that even 'climbing' the stairs to the top has been remodeled to look like a ramp of 30 floors wide enough to fit hundreds in/out.
5/5 - Excellent
Get tickets online before you get to Seville
4/5 - Good
Excess to Giralda was very slow, long wait up the ramp. We found the cathedral was less busy just before closing time.
5/5 - Excellent
It is huge. At least spend 2 hours in there, go up in the Giralda also.
5/5 - Excellent
It is easy to pre-purchase tickets so do it. Save yourself some time. The audio tour was perfect.
Popular places to visit
Giralda Tower
Once among the tallest religious monuments in the world, this former minaret is now the eye-catching bell tower to Seville Cathedral.
Cabildo Catedral
Stop by a 16th-century meeting room inside the Cathedral of Seville that is stunningly decorated with religious paintings, sculptures and reliefs.
Triunfo Plaza
From this ancient and picturesque square, access some of the oldest and most impressive buildings in Seville, including the world’s largest gothic cathedral.
Tumba de Cristóbal Colón
Learn about the local history of Seville when you take a trip to Tumba de Cristóbal Colón. Check out the shops and lively bars in this culturally rich area.
Puerta del Príncipe
Find out about the history of Seville when you take a trip to Puerta del Príncipe. Check out the stunning cathedral and lively bars in this culturally rich area.
El Giraldillo
Learn about the local history of Seville with a stop at El Giraldillo. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.
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