🧭 Every country, and the places worth the trip NEW 26,489 places written across 243 countries 🎮 Guess the country As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Meridiela.
Léelo en españolThis page is also written in español.
Home/Countries/Spain/Landmarks & history/Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Seville Cathedral and Giralda

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world - a soaring stone treasury holding Columbus's tomb, crowned by the Giralda, a Moorish minaret turned bell tower.

Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map

Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

UNESCO World Heritage

Typechurch
WhereAndalusia
Nearest citySeville
Best seasonMarch to May and October to November
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereIn central Seville; walkable
EntryCharged

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, a colossal stone treasury raised on the site of the city's great mosque, holding a soaring nave, a fabulous golden altarpiece and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Beside it rises the Giralda, the former minaret of the mosque turned bell tower, climbed by ramps for a sweeping view over the city, a UNESCO ensemble.

What you actually see

  • The vast Gothic nave - the soaring interior, the largest of its kind.
  • The main altarpiece - the immense gilded retable of carved scenes.
  • Columbus's tomb - the monumental tomb borne by four figures.
  • The Giralda - the climb up the former minaret for a city view.

When to go

Spring and autumn for mild weather; Seville summers are extremely hot. The Giralda is climbed by gentle ramps rather than stairs. Combine with the neighbouring Alcazar.

Honest expectations

It is a working cathedral, so it may close to tourists for services, and dress should be respectful. Seville summers are punishing. It is best paired with the Alcazar next door, which many find even more magical, so allow a full morning.

Nearby

The Royal Alcazar and the Archivo de Indias are alongside; the Plaza de Espana is a walk away.

What to pack for Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

All packing kits →

Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

← More landmarks & history in Spain

One postcard a week.

A short Friday email: one place worth knowing about, the story behind it, and what is in season right now. No noise - leave whenever you like.