Why visit Seville Cathedral?
Seville Cathedral — officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) — is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church overall after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 alongside the adjoining Alcázar palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies, this colossal structure measures 126 metres long, 76 metres wide, and reaches heights of 42 metres, making it one of the most impressive religious buildings ever constructed.
Built on the site of Seville’s grand Almohad mosque (constructed 1172-1198), Seville Cathedral demonstrates the city’s ambition after the 1248 Reconquista when Ferdinand III of Castile conquered the city for the Christians. According to local tradition, cathedral chapter members declared: “Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will think we are mad.” Construction began in July 1401, and the Gothic section was completed in the early 16th century around 1506, supplanting Hagia Sophia as the world’s largest cathedral — a title the Byzantine church had held for a thousand years.
The Giralda tower — originally the mosque’s minaret built 1184-1198 to resemble the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech — was converted into the cathedral’s bell tower, rising 104.5 metres with 35 ramps (no stairs) wide enough for horses to ride up. The iconic Giraldillo statue representing the triumph of Faith tops the tower. Christopher Columbus’s tomb lies within the cathedral, his remains borne by four allegorical figures representing the four kingdoms of Spain during his lifetime. The cathedral also houses the remains of Ferdinand III of Castile, his son Alfonso the Wise, King Peter the Cruel, and cardinals Juan de Cervantes and Pedro González de Mendoza.
Why book the Seville Cathedral & La Giralda entry ticket?
- Skip the ticket line: Enter directly without queueing at one of Seville’s most important landmarks.
- Explore the vast Gothic interior: Wander through the cathedral’s soaring aisles and chapels at your own pace.
- Climb La Giralda: Walk the ramped tower for wide-ranging views over Seville’s historic centre.
- Optional audio guide: Add an audio tour to deepen your understanding of the site’s art and history.
- Mobile tickets accepted: Use your phone for easy, fast entry without the need to print anything.
What to see at Seville Cathedral
The main altarpiece (Capilla Mayor) is considered the largest in Christendom, covered in approximately three tonnes of pure gold across 400 square metres. Created over multiple periods between 1482 and 1594, it features 44 reliefs and over 200 figures of saints — a spectacular work of polychrome wood enclosed by magnificent railings. The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real), a Renaissance apse built where you’d expect a Gothic ambulatory, houses the remains of Ferdinand III in a silver shrine and contains the Virgin of the Kings wearing a crown made from 22-carat gold holding nearly 12,000 precious stones.
Walking up the Giralda via 35 gently sloping ramps rather than stairs provides the absolute best views in Seville — panoramic vistas over the city, the Guadalquivir River, and surrounding Andalusian countryside. The Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) remains from the original mosque. The Chapter House features magnificent domed ceiling mirroring the floor with beautiful marble decoration. The Main Sacristy contains Renaissance architecture with a dome depicting the Last Judgment. Over 80 chapels line the cathedral walls, many containing works by Murillo, Goya (Saints Justa and Rufina), Zurbarán, and other Spanish masters.
Visiting Seville Cathedral in Andalucia: practical information
Seville Cathedral opening times and admission
Seville Cathedral opening hours for the general public are 11.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and Sunday 2.30pm to 7.00pm on Sunday. Check the official website before visiting as the cathedral occasionally closes for special services.
Admission prices to Seville Cathedral from the official website are: adults €13 online (€14 at the door), reduced rate €6 online (€7 at the door) for students aged 25 and under with valid ID and seniors aged 65 and over, children aged 13 and under free. Each booking incurs a €1 online handling fee per booking. Your Seville Cathedral ticket includes admission to the cathedral interior, all chapels, Giralda tower, Patio de los Naranjos, and the Church of the Divine Saviour (El Salvador) a few blocks north.
Booking Seville Cathedral tickets in advance online is more-or-less essential — gate purchases cost more, queues can stretch around the block, and timeslots sell out days or weeks ahead during peak season (spring and autumn). Tickets are released up to three months in advance. Audio guides cost €5 (or €4 for app-based guides). Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Seville Cathedral.
Getting to Seville Cathedral in Seville
Seville Cathedral is located at Avenida de la Constitución, s/n, 41001 Sevilla, Spain, in the heart of Seville’s historic centre. Access to the cathedral is through Plaza Virgen de los Reyes square.
Reaching Seville Cathedral on foot is straightforward — the cathedral is in the city centre, easily walkable from most hotels in the Old Town. Follow signs or use Google Maps.
Getting to Seville Cathedral by metro involves taking Metro-Centro tram which has four stops along Avenida de la Constitución past the cathedral, operating from 6.00am to 1.30am daily.
Reaching Seville Cathedral by bus, routes C3, C4, and C5 run from Puerta de Jerez (south of centre) and Plaza Ponce de Leon (east), operating approximately 6.00am to 11.00pm with night buses running midnight to 2.00am.
Seville Cathedral accessibility and facilities
Seville Cathedral accessibility features include adapted toilets and baby-changing tables in the permanent exhibition area and Patio de los Naranjos. A free wheelchair service is available for those with limited mobility. Braille brochures and sign guide services operate for visually impaired visitors. Family-friendly visitor materials designed for children are downloadable from the website.
Strict dress code at Seville Cathedral is enforced — you will be denied entry if wearing sleeveless shirts (applies to everyone), very short shorts or skirts, or flip-flops. Cover your shoulders and knees. This is an active place of worship requiring respectful attire. Photography is permitted in most areas though visitors should refrain from photographing during services and be mindful of worshippers. Remove hats before entering and keep conversations at respectful volume levels.
Tips for visiting Seville Cathedral
- Book tickets online at least several days in advance — popular timeslots sell out, especially weekends and peak season (March to June, September to October).
- Don’t buy tickets at the door unless desperate — they cost more and queues are horrendous during high season.
- Wear appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees or you’ll be turned away at the entrance.
- Climb the Giralda tower — the 35 ramps are manageable for most fitness levels and views are spectacular.
- Your ticket includes the Church of El Salvador — visit afterwards for even better value.
- Consider guided tours for deeper understanding of the complex history and art.
- Arrive at your designated timeslot — entry is controlled every 15 minutes to manage crowds.
Nearby attractions to Seville Cathedral
The Royal Alcázar of Seville sits directly beside the cathedral — Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use, showcasing Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Combination tours covering both are excellent value. Plaza de España features stunning semi-circular brick building with canal, bridges, and ceramic tile alcoves representing Spanish provinces. Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) provides modern architecture contrast and rooftop walkways. Barrio Santa Cruz — the former Jewish quarter — surrounds the cathedral with winding medieval streets, whitewashed houses, orange trees, and numerous tapas bars. The Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) sits on the Guadalquivir riverbank housing naval museum. The Casa de Pilatos showcases Mudéjar architecture and Renaissance Italian influences.
More Andalucia travel
Other Andalucia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Granada for first time visitors.
- A guide to Almeria for first time visitors.
- Trying to understand the culture of bullfighting in Seville’s bullring.
- Is the Mezquita in Cordoba the strangest building in the world?
- How the Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga works.
