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Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede)

Avenida de la Constitución, Seville, ESP

The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, built atop the remains of a mosque, the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede) features a spectacular gold altarpiece in its main altar depicting 36 scenes from the life of Christ, as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus, works by Goya and Murillo, and the dramatic Giralda Tower.

A trip to Seville would be incomplete without a visit to its most popular attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is included in just about every city tour, along with sites like the Royal Alcazar of Seville, Plaza de Espana, and Torre del Oro. Those pressed for time can opt for skip-the-line or early access to the cathedral. It’s also possible to see the cathedral, as well as other Seville highlights, on a day trip from Marbella, Jerez, or Granada.

  • See the cathedral as part of a city sightseeing tour, or choose a tour with early access or skip-the-line entrance.

  • Choose between a single attraction ticket or a combined ticket with the Iglesia del Salvador.

  • Remember to dress respectfully—no shorts or sleeveless tops.

  • English audio guides are available inside the cathedral.

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb the bell tower.

The cathedral is in the Centro Histórico on Avenida de la Constitución. The easiest way to reach the cathedral by public transportation is to ride the Metro-Centro tram, which runs past the cathedral.

Seville Cathedral is open daily throughout the year, with limited hours on Sundays, with daily mass held each morning. Expect long ticket lines during peak summer season (June to August).

For some of the best views of Seville, set aside some time to climb up the 34 ramps leading to the top of Giralda Tower. The ramps (and lack of stairs) date back to when the tower was a minaret of the mosque, and horses would ascend the tower five times daily for the call to prayer.

Yes, you need an entry ticket to admire the stunning architecture of Seville Cathedral and its rich history from the interior. You can purchase the tickets at the door or online before visiting to save time standing in the long queue at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is strongly advised to dress appropriately and respectfully out of consideration for the religious significance of the cathedral. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, shorts, or tank tops for both men and women, as a sign of respect for the local culture and traditions.

To fully appreciate all the art and architecture on display, most visitors allot anywhere from 1-2 hours to explore every nook and cranny of Seville Cathedral. Guided or audio tours also last about 1 hour, with some extra time to explore afterward.

The early morning boasts cool temperatures with a quieter atmosphere if you want to beat the crowds that fill the cathedral in the middle of the day. Evening hours are also cooler while the sun is setting, and the colors of the cathedral are illuminated with candles and lights.

Yes, Seville Cathedral is wheelchair-friendly and equipped with ramps and handrails to ensure that visitors of all abilities can enjoy this stunning structure. While the main hall is flat, ramps also allow access to other important tombs and relics.

If you love history, architecture, or art, Seville Cathedral is a must-see destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain. As one of the largest churches in the world, the landmark is a stunning feat of design and boasts an impressive collection of sacred artwork that spans centuries.

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