The capital of Andalusia boasts a rich cultural, historical, and architectural heritage of great national importance. One of its most emblematic monuments is, without a doubt, the Cathedral of Seville.
This is a must-see stop during your trip to Seville, and to make the most of both the city itself and the road trip, we recommend hiring a cheap car at Malaga Airport. Don’t let anything affect your budget or your mood during your visit to the Cathedral of Seville.
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History of the Cathedral of Seville
Let’s talk about the entire history surrounding the Holy, Metropolitan, and Patriarchal Cathedral Church of Saint Mary of the See and of the Assumption of Seville, or in other words, the Cathedral of Seville.
Although we speak and elaborate on the history of the Cathedral of Seville, it’s impossible to begin without mentioning the origins of its foundations: the Great Mosque of Seville. It was ordered to be built in 1172 by the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf and inaugurated in 1182.
At that time, it had a rectangular floor plan, 17 naves full of arches, and the current Patio de los Naranjos already existed. Its total area exceeded fifteen thousand square meters. That marks the beginning and the roots of the current Cathedral of Seville.
Architecture of the Cathedral of Seville
The Cathedral of Seville features a wide variety of architectural styles that decorate and shape every corner. The construction of the Cathedral of Seville as we know it today began in the mid-15th century.
Although there is some uncertainty about whether the works of the Cathedral of Seville began at the start of the century, in 1401, or mid-century, in 1434. We are in the Gothic era, and in 1506 the main building was completed with the placement of the final stone crowning the dome.
We then reach the Renaissance period, when construction began on the buildings annexed to the original Gothic temple. From 1528 onwards, the Chapter House, the Main Sacristy, and the Royal Chapel began to take shape, while other spaces such as the Sacristy of the Chalices and the Alabaster Chapels were completed.
But what stands out most during this time in the Cathedral of Seville is the construction of the final section of the Giralda. Both the Cathedral of Seville and its annexes were completed in 1593, marking the end of its Renaissance era.
The Baroque period is marked by the construction of the Church of the Sagrario, which took less than fifty years during the 17th century, from 1618—when this era began—until the mid-18th century. Smaller buildings were added to the western façade, and although they are independent constructions, they are annexed and connected to the Cathedral of Seville.
Between 1758 and 1823, the predominant architectural style was Neoclassical, also known as the Academic period. Although several rooms were built, the most significant event was quite the opposite: the demolition of a building.
This building had connected the Cathedral of Seville with the surrounding houses, making the cathedral block completely independent.
The Neo-Gothic period began in 1825, carefully preserving the original Gothic appearance of the Cathedral of Seville, finishing details that remained incomplete, and working on the Doors of St. Christopher, the Prince, and the Conception. This period ended in 1928, leading us into the 21st century.
In this century, the work carried out has focused on the restoration and preservation of the various elements that make up the Cathedral of Seville—from gargoyles, pinnacles, and sculptures to the Main Altarpiece, the Royal Chapel, and the Door of Forgiveness—with restoration completed in 2015.
What to See in the Cathedral of Seville
The Cathedral of Seville is a true monument to history, culture, and architecture—a gift from the city of Seville to the world—and the treasures it houses are worth visiting and admiring for anyone coming to the city.
The most important elements to see in the Cathedral of Seville include the Giralda, the Patio de los Naranjos, the numerous Chapels (discussed below), as well as its façades, doors, annex buildings, Main Chapel, Retrochoir, Choir, Back Choir, and the organ.
Chapels of the Cathedral of Seville
Main Chapel of the Cathedral of Seville
This chapel is the most important in the entire Cathedral of Seville, and also a unique work of art, as it is considered the largest altarpiece in the entire Christian world. It is enclosed by Renaissance golden iron railings, and inside is the 13th-century image of the Virgin of the See.
Alabaster Chapels
As the name suggests, alabaster is the main material used in what is considered the second most important chapel in the Cathedral of Seville. In fact, it is a set of four smaller chapels located on the sides of the choir.
This 16th-century ensemble consists of the Chapel of the Incarnation, Chapel of the Immaculate, Chapel of the Virgin of the Star, and Chapel of Saint Gregory.
Chapel of the Immaculate
The image of the Immaculate Conception presides over this 17th-century altarpiece, commonly known as “La Cieguecita”. It is accompanied by carvings of Saint Joachim, Saint Francis, Saint Jerome, and Saint Joseph.
Other Chapels of the Cathedral of Seville
Other chapels not to be missed in your tour of the Cathedral of Seville include the Chapel of the Incarnation, featuring The Annunciation as its theme and dating from the 17th century, the Chapel of the Virgin of the Star, with a Renaissance structure and Baroque altarpiece, and the Chapel of Saint Gregory, named after its 17th-century sculpture of Saint Gregory.
Patio de los Naranjos in the Cathedral of Seville
The original function of this courtyard was for ablutions in the mosque, and this element has survived the passage of time and wars. It has a rectangular shape and can be accessed through the famous Door of Forgiveness, decorated with Renaissance motifs. Although the doors themselves are Almohad works from the 12th century, made of wood, they are covered in bronze and decorated with intricate designs.
Today, the Patio de los Naranjos is considered the most important and well-known annex of the Cathedral of Seville. In its center stands a fountain, with a Visigothic element at its top. Over time, it has lost its religious significance but remains a key part of the city’s daily life.
The Giralda of Seville
To talk about the Giralda of Seville, we must first answer one of the most common questions: is the Giralda the same as the Cathedral of Seville? The Giralda, an emblem and iconic monument of both Seville and the Cathedral of Seville, is a tower and bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville.
It stands over one hundred meters high and is visible from anywhere in the city. It blends architectural styles, being inspired by the Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech, while its upper section is purely Renaissance.
It was in the 16th century that the belfry and the statue representing Faith were added in 1568. Over time, this statue became known as the “Giraldillo”.
Curiosities about the Cathedral of Seville
The Cathedral of Seville is full of legends and curiosities, such as the famous historical figures buried there, including Christopher Columbus and his son Hernando, Alfonso X the Wise, Ferdinand III of Castile, and Peter I of Castile, known as “The Cruel” or “The Just”.
At the Puerta del Lagarto in the Patio de los Naranjos, a legend says a crocodile hangs there—and it’s almost entirely true. What we see is a replica of a real crocodile displayed in the 13th century, a gift from the Sultan of Egypt. What remains today is a 16th-century replica.
Another curiosity is that the Giralda has 35 ramps instead of steps, allowing people to ascend on horseback in the past. The visit can be completed in about two hours, depending on whether you include the rooftop tour.
Finally, legend and popular belief say that the Cathedral of Seville houses one of the thorns from the crown worn by Jesus Christ—one of Christianity’s most precious relics.
Mass Schedule at the Cathedral of Seville
The Cathedral of Seville continues to hold daily masses as part of its program of activities. From Monday to Friday, there are three services at 8:30, 10:00, and 20:00. On Saturdays, an additional one at 12:30, and on Sundays, one more at 11:30, totaling five masses.
Tickets for the Cathedral of Seville
Audio-guided tour of the Cathedral of Seville, the Giralda, and the Church of El Salvador
Audio-guided tour prices:
- Individual: €18.00
- Unemployed Spaniards, disabled (65% or more), children (under 13), Seville residents: €5.00
- Students (14–25), large family adults, seniors (65+), and disabled (33%–65%): €11.00
Visit to the Cathedral of Seville, the Giralda, and the Church of El Salvador
- Adults: €13.00
- Students (14–25), large family adults, seniors (65+), and disabled (33%–65%): €6.00
- Seville residents, disabled (65%+), children, and unemployed Spaniards: Free.
Guided tour of the Cathedral of Seville and Giralda
General admission: €20
‘De Profundis’
Guided walk through the tombs with a detailed explanation of the route: €20.
Guided tour of the Cathedral Rooftops
Enjoy the history from a different perspective by exploring the heights of the Cathedral of Seville for €20 in a 90-minute visit.
Guided tour of the Cathedral’s Stained Glass
This experience costs €20.
Guided tour “Sacred Footprint”: Crypt, Chamber, and Rooftops of the Church of El Salvador
This experience costs €20.
The Wooden Gospel. Nights at the Cathedral of Seville
This experience costs €20.
Projecting History. Nights at the Cathedral of Seville
Visit the Cathedral of Seville at night and enjoy a light, shadow, and projection show for €20.
Visit the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda for free
Available only on Sundays (non-holidays), with online reservation and access from 16:30 to 18:00.
How to Get to the Cathedral of Seville
By Bus
From the Arrivals Terminal (T3), take the bus towards Malaga Bus Station. From there, an ALSA line goes directly to Seville Bus Station, located in Plaza de Armas. The trip lasts about three hours and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.
Once there, take the C4 line to Paseo Cristóbal Colón – Dos de Mayo. The ride takes about five minutes, with a frequency of ten minutes. Once you get off, it’s just a 500-meter walk.
By Car
The trip takes about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. Once you leave Malaga Airport, follow the signs for the A-7 and/or MA-21. Then take the A-45 towards Córdoba/Seville.
Continue on the A-45 until you reach the SE-30, known as Seville’s ring road. Simply follow the signs to the city center. Once there, reaching Plaza Virgen de los Reyes will be easy. As advice, note that both the SE-30 and A-92 may experience congestion, though road conditions are excellent. Once in the city center, we recommend parking near the Torre del Oro or Avenida de la Constitución.
Map of the Cathedral of Seville
Here is a map with the most important and interesting places in the capital of Andalusia, where the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda stand out above all.
