The world's largest Gothic cathedral houses Christopher Columbus's tomb and boasts spectacular architecture. The adjacent Giralda bell tower, formerly a minaret, offers breathtaking views after climbing 34 ramps (no stairs).
The Catedral de Sevilla, located on Avenida de la Constitución in the historic centre of Seville, Andalusia, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world by interior volume and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1401 on the site of the Almohad mosque — of which only the Patio de los Naranjos courtyard and the minaret (now the Giralda bell tower) survive. The interior is immense: the central nave reaches 42 metres in height and the full floor plan measures 135 by 100 metres. The Gothic vaulting, carved choir stalls, and a retablo mayor (high altarpiece) that is the largest in the world — measuring 20 metres wide and 27 metres high — dominate the interior. In the south transept stands the monumental mausoleum of Christopher Columbus, whose coffin is carried by four bronze royal pallbearers representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre. The Sacristía Mayor houses the cathedral's treasury, including a reliquary chest containing what are claimed to be the remains of Seville's patron saints. The adjacent Giralda tower was originally built as the minaret of the mosque between 1184 and 1196; the Renaissance belfry was added by Hernán Ruiz II in the 16th century. Access to the top (97.5 metres) is via 34 ramps rather than stairs — designed so that mounted guards could ride to the top — making it easier to ascend than most towers. Views over central Seville from the summit are exceptional. The combined cathedral and Giralda visit typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Good to know
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon), 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Tue-Sat), 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Sun)
- Best for
- history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers, families
Location
Avenida de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Seville
37.3858, -5.9933 View on map
Highlights
- World's largest Gothic cathedral interior by volume
- Columbus mausoleum carried by four bronze royal pallbearers
- Giralda tower — a Moorish minaret with Renaissance belfry, ascended via ramps
- Retablo mayor (high altarpiece) — the largest surviving Gothic altarpiece anywhere
- Sacristía Mayor treasury with gold and silver reliquaries
Tips for visiting
- Free entry on Sundays after 2:30 PM (very crowded)
- Book online to skip long queues
- Climb Giralda for panoramic Seville views
- Visit early to beat the heat and crowds
When to visit
Early morning on weekdays offers the shortest queues. Seville is extremely hot in July and August, so the first entry slot of the day (around 11 AM on Mondays) is more comfortable. Booking tickets online in advance eliminates outdoor queuing.
Accessibility
The cathedral floor is largely step-free and accessible via a designated entrance for wheelchair users. The Giralda tower ramps (no stairs) are accessible for most mobility levels, though the incline is steep. A tactile model of the exterior is available near the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free entry to Seville Cathedral?
Free entry for worshippers is available Monday to Saturday at certain morning times and on Sundays from around 2:30 PM. These free periods are very crowded. The official ticketing page offers timed-entry tickets that reduce queuing.
Can children climb the Giralda tower?
Yes. The tower is accessed entirely via 34 ramps (no steps), making it manageable for most ages including older children and visitors with limited mobility.
How long does a visit take?
A full visit including the Giralda tower and the main cathedral rooms takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The treasury and side chapels can extend the visit for those interested in religious art and history.